Rev.John  S  Inskip 


Cibrarp  of  Che  Cheolojical  ^emmarjp 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 
PRESENTED  BY 

Trenton  Public  Library 


BX  8495  . 

17 

M3  1885 

McDonald , 

W 

.  1820-1901. 

The  life 

of 

Rev.   John  S. 

Inskip 

Mm,  utUUuJ^uu- 


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%  am,  ©  JLorK,  mjjollp  anU  farebcc  Cfjttu.' 


THE  LIFE  OF 


REV,  JOHN  S,  INSKIP, 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION 
FOR  THE  PROMOTION  OF  HOLINESS. 


BY 


w.  Mcdonald  akd  john  e.  searles. 


Bostoh,  Mass.: 
PUBLISHED  BY  McDONALD  &  GILL, 
Office  of  the  Christian  Witness, 
36  Bromfield  Street. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1885, 

by  Mcdonald  &  gill, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


i 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


•    CHAPTER  I. 
Parkntagk. — Bikth.  —  Eart.t  Tears       ....  g 

CHAPTER  II. 

CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH-SHOP     ...        -  16 

CHAPTER  III. 

The  Young  Circuit  Rider  ------  32 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Fbom  thk  Country  to  the  City  46 

CHAPTER  V. 

Westward. — Cincinnati  ------  62 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Ix  the  Wk.st.  —  Sunshine  and  Shadows  -  74 
CHAPTER  VII. 

In  the  West. — Storm  Gathering     -----  83 
CHAPTER  VIII. 

Conflict  and  Victory 

CHAPTER  IX. 

How  Opposition  Led  to  Promotion  -----  112 
CHAPTER  X. 

Pastorate  in  the  Metropolis  121 

3 


4  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Army  Chaplaincy  --------      -  135 

CHAPTER  XII. 
"Wholly,  and  Forever  the  Lord's"     -      -  -  146 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Full  Salvation  in  the  Pastorate  -----  161 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
National  Camp-Meeting  Movement  Inaugurated*      -  185 

CHAPTER  XV. 

National  Camp-Meetings    -------  196 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
The  Pastorate  Closed       -------  212 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Evangelistic  Work.  — Across  the  Continent.  —  Sacra- 
mento  -  218 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
A  .Great  Victory  at  Santa  Clara  -----  241 

CHAPTER  XTX. 

Tabebnaclk  Meetings  in  San  Francisco  and  Salt 

Lake  City  ---------      -  253 

CHAPTER  XX 

In  Labors  Mohk  Abundant       ------  273 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
The  Editor  and  Evangelist     ------  299 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
Around  the  World. — England       -----  30s 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
Around  the  World. — Orient    ------  326 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
The  End  Cometh,  and  the  Triumph       -  350 


PREFACE. 


In  compiling  the  life  of  Rev.  John  S.  Inskip,  we  have 
done  little  more  than  tell,  in  the  plainest  and  most  sim- 
ple manner,  the  story  of  his  eventful  and  useful  career. 
In  doing  this,  our  chief  difficulty  has  been  in  sufficiently 
compressing  the  material  at  our  disposal  into  such  lim- 
its as  to  bring  the  volume  within  the  means  of  the 
masses  who  revere  his  memory,  and  would  esteem  it  a 
great  pleasure  to  possess  his  "  Life."  To  compass  this 
end,  we  have  been  obliged  — very  reluctantly — to  pre- 
sent a  very  meagre,  and  we  fear,  unsatisfactory  account 
of  the  National  Camp-meetings  conducted  by  Mr.  Inskip. 
We  have  been  obliged,  also,  to  omit  much  in  his  letters 
and  journals,  which,  for  spirituality  and  interest,  equal 
anything  to  be  found  in  these  pages. 

No  attempt  has  been  made  at  elegance  in  style,  be- 
lieving that  the  plain,  unvarnished  facts  of  the  good 
man's  life  would  be  much  more  acceptable  to  pious 
readers.  The  most  remarkable  events  in  his  life  are  of 
so  recent  date,  and  so  fresh  in  the  memory  of  thousands, 
that  any  other  than  the  simplest  statement  of  them 
would  be  regarded  as  an  attempt  to  make  of  them  more 
than  the  facts  would  justify.    We  are  persuaded  that 

7 


8 


PREFACE. 


no  one  who  knew  Mr.  Inskip  will  charge  us  with  over- 
drawing the  picture.  His  life  was  eventful,  and  much 
of  it  reads  like  a  romance ;  but  it  is  the  romance  of  her- 
culean effort  and  well-earned  success,  in  the  face  of 
strongly  pronounced  opposition. 

The  authors  have  divided  their  labor.  Mr.  Searles 
has  written  of  Mr.  Inskip's  "  army  life,"  and  the  evan- 
gelistic trip  to  the  Pacific  Coast  and  Salt  Lake,  and  his 
pastoral  labors  in  the  New  York  East  Conference,  prior 
to  the  time  he  entered  into  the  experience  of  perfect 
love. 

We  can  but  trust  that  the  book  will  be  read  with 
spiritual  profit  by  thousands.  Many  will  be  stirred  by 
it  to  a  better  and  holier  life.  If  this  should  be  the  case, 
the  subject  will  rejoice  in  his  heaven  of  bliss,  and  the 
authors  will  be  made  glad  during  their  brief  earthly  so- 
journ. They  have  done  the  best  they  were  able  to  dc 
amidst  pressing  duties  and  enfeebled  health,  to  furnish 
a  volume  worthy  of  the  subject.  They  have  drawn  no 
portraiture  of  his  character,  but  left  the  reader  to  pon- 
der the  simple  fact  of  his  life. 

W.  McDonald, 
J.  E.  Searles. 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PARENTAGE.  —  BIRTH.  —  EARLY  YEARS. 

"  We  have  higher  authority  than  that  of  human  evidence," 
says  the  author  of  the  Life  of  Jeremy  Taylor,  "  for  asserting 
that  the  Church  of  Christ  is  firmly  founded  upon  a  rock. 
When  assaulted  either  by  infidelity  on  the  one  side,  or  hy- 
pocrisy on  the  other ;  when  obscured  by  superstition,  or 
persecuted  by  force,  its  Divine  Protector  has  successively 
demonstrated  the  truth  of  His  Word,  that  '  wisdom  is  justi- 
fied of  her  children.'  At  such  times  of  need,  '  sons  of  the 
prophets  '  arose,  endued  with  such  power  of  mind,  animated 
with  such  grace,  and  armed  with  such  weapons  of  erudition, 
as  to  render  them  invincible  to  their  present  enemies,  and 
the  admiration  of  succeeding  times." 

There  have  been  marked  periods  of  revival  in  the  Church, 
alternated,  unhappily,  by  periods  of  spiritual  declension. 
When  darkness  has  covered  the  earth,  and  thick  darkness 
the  people,  God  has  ever  had  His  agents  ready  —  made  ready 
by  a  deep,  conscious  enduement  of  spiritual  power,  for  the 
work  of  calling  the  people  back  to  the  life  from  which  they 
had  fallen. 

The  agents  whom  God  employs  for  special  work,  are 
marked  men, —  men  who  seem,  by  special  enduement,  to  be 

9 


10 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


leaders  ;  and  who  at  once,  by  their  superior  adaptation,  com- 
mand public  attention,  and  take  their  place,  by  general  con- 
sent, in  the  front  ranks.  Such  a  character  was  the  subject 
of  the  following  memoir. 

Rev.  John  S.  Iuskip  was  born  Aug.  10,  1816,  in  Huntin- 
den,  a  small  but  historic  town  in  England,  situated  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  River  Ouse,  about  seventeen  miles  north- 
west from  Cambridge,  and  renowned  in  history  as  the  birth- 
place of  Oliver  Cromwell.  In  the  vicinity  are  Brampton 
Park  and  Hinchinbrook  House,  the  ancient  residence  of  the 
Cromwell  family.  Here  Oliver,  with  his  youthful  bride, 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir  James  Boucher,  of  Essex,  resorted 
in  order  that  he  might  mend  his  ways,  and  lead  a  regular 
and  virtuous  life. 

Edward  Inskip,  the  father  of  John,  was  born  in  Bedford- 
shire, England,  July  1,  17S8.  He  early  removed  to  Huntin- 
den,  where  in  1S10,  he  was  married  to  Martha  Swanel,  a 
native  of  that  town,  born  April  15,  1794. 

Of  his  ancestors,  Mr.  John  S.  Inskip  says  :  "  So  far  as  I  am 
informed,  I  am  happy  to  say,  they  were  without  rank  or 
title.  They  belonged  to  the  honest  yeomanry  of  their  day. 
There  were  among  them  several  who  took  the  impress  of 
their  character  from  their  neighbor,  Oliver  Cromwell.  On 
political  and  church  questions,  they  were  '  reformers.'  One 
of  my  uncles,  who  obtained  some  political  celebrity,  died  in 
the  act  of  making  a  speech,  at  a  reform  meeting.  They 
were  all  ■'  Dissenters.'  " 

Mr.  Edward  Inskip  was  reared  in  this  town  of  Dissenters, 
imbibing  their  principles  and  spirit.  At  the  age  of  eigh- 
teen, he  professed  faith  in  Christ,  and  for  a  time  seemed  to 
be  a  sincere  servant  of  God.  But  this  religious  interest  did 
not  long  continue.  The  cares  of  the  world,  the  company  of 
the  gay  and  thoughtless,  with  the  influence  of  the  unholy 
example  of  some  of  the  ministers  of  the  Establishment, 


PARENTAGE  AND  BIRTH. 


11 


which  came  under  his  observation,  dampened  his  zeal,  and 
induced  an  utter  distaste  for  religion  in  all  its  forms. 

Mr.  Inskip  naturally  became  skeptical  in  his  views,  and 
with  his  wife  and  only  daughter,  sought  a  home  in  France, 
hoping  to  receive  a  fortune  in  that  infidel  land.  But  finding 
business  prospects  very  unpromising,  he  was  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  returning  to  England.  He  finally  concluded  to 
seek  a  home  in  America.  Leaving  John,  then  but  four 
years  of  age,  with  a  relative,  the  family  embarked  for  the 
new  world,  landing  in  New  York  some  time  in  the  month  of 
September,  1820.  They  proceeded  immediately  to  Phila- 
delphia; but  in  consequence  of  the  prevalence  of  the  yellow 
fever  in  that  city,  they  concluded  to  go  to  Wilmington, 
Del.,  where  they  resided  for  some  years.  The  following 
year,  John  joined  the  anxious  parents,  having  crossed  the 
Atlantic  in  a  ship,  in  care  of  some  friend. 

There  were  born  unto  Edward  and  Martha  Inskip,  fourteen 
children, —  three  sons,  and  eleven  daughters,  seven  of  whom 
dieil  in  infancy,  including  two  sons,  leaving  John  the  only 
male  survivor.  Of  that  large  family,  only  three  survive  at 
this  writing  (1884) :  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jones,  of  San  Francis- 
co ;  Mrs.  Martha  S.  Draper,  and  Mrs.  Anna  Laws,  both  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Those  who  have  departed,  so  far  as  we 
are  able  to  learn,  have  died  in  hope  of  a  better  life. 

John  S.  Inskip,  though  coming  to  America  at  the  early 
age  of  five  years,  always  retained  a  vivid  recollection  of 
two  things  connected  with  the  voyage  —  seasickness,  and 
the  "figure-head"  of  the  ship,  representing  a  female  form. 
The  first  gave  him  a  horrible  idea  of  sea-life ;  and  the 
second  he  could  but  regard  as  a  spirit,  placed  there  to  keep 
them  from  danger.  He  says :  "  It  induced  in  me  a  belief  in 
spirits,  and  imparted  an  interest  in  the  supernatural,  which 
lingers  with  me  still."  It  seemed  to  absorb  his  thought. 
He  could  not  resist  the  inclination,  at  every  favorable  op- 


12 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


portunity,  to  make  his  way  forward  and  peep  through  any 
opening  which  he  could  find,  and  gaze  with  admiration  upon 
that  graceful  female  form. . 

The  name  of  the  vessel  in  which  he  crossed  the  Atlantic, 
was  Elector.  They  entered  the  port  of  Philadelphia; 
but,  without  going  on  shore,  proceeded  immediately  to  Wil- 
mington, on  board  a  steamboat  which  plied  between  the  two 
cities.  This  was  the  first  steamboat  that  John  had  ever 
seen,  and  in  his  youthful  eyes  it  was  a  huge,  a  wonderful 
affair. 

In  the  transfer  from  the  ship  to  the  steamer,  in  a  yawl, 
by  some  mismanagement,  the  boat  came  near  being  swamped, 
and  he  lost.  It  was  only  by  the  most  dexterous  efforts  of  the 
strong  oarsmen  that  he  was  saved  from  death.  The  father, 
beholding  the  great  peril,  and  the  almost  miraculous  escape 
of  his  son,  sat  down  and  wept,  while  othe.  3  exclaimed, 
"  Thank  God,  they  are  safe ! " 

This  introduction  into  the  then  "  borough "  of  Wilming- 
ton, was,  to  his  youthful  mind,  an  important  event.  The 
thing  which  most  attracted  his  attention,  and  which  he  ever 
after  remembered,  was  a  "  big  wood-pile,"  the  like  of  which 
he  had  never  witnessed  before. 

Prosperity,  for  a  time,  attended  the  father.  His  worldly 
matters  were  in  the  most  hopeful  condition ;  success  attend- 
ing every  enterprise  in  which  he  engaged. 

John  was  at  once  put  to  school,  and  seems  to  have  re- 
ceived his  full  share  of  corporeal  discipline.  "  We  certainly 
got  of  this  sort  of  thing,"  he  says,  "  all  that  we  wanted,  if 
we  did  not  get  all  that  we  needed."  He  was  not  a  vicious 
boy,  but  very  full  of  fun  —  so  full  that  he  could  not "  keep  in," 
and  because  he  could  not  restrain  the  outflow,  it  was  thought 
proper  to  drive  it  out  by  the  use  of  the  rod.  Speaking,  in 
after  life,  of  this  sort  of  correction,  he  says  :  "  The  various 
cruel  and  unreasonable  modes  of  torture  resorted  to  on  the 


EARLY  TEARS. 


13 


part  of  some  enraged  schoolmasters,  in  the  way  of  birch 
exercises,  or,  by  'keeping  in,"  while  he  endeavored  to 
gratify  his  revenge  by  tantalizingly  striving  to  split  a  ruler 
on  the  open  hand,  bruising  or  wearing  out  a  bunch  of  '  rat- 
tan '  on  a  tender  part  of  the  body,  so  outraged  our  sense  of 
propriety  at  that  time,  that  more  than  once,  we  have  needed  to 
pray  for  special  grace,  to  feel  precisely  right  in  reference  to 
theBe '  old  sores.'  Some  of  my  instructors  were  Quakers,  and 
some  were  Presbyterians.  The  cool  and  quiet  manner  in 
which  the  one  class  performed  the  functions  of  their  office, 
was  only  excelled  by  the  other,  in  that  they  seemed  to  do 
it  prayerfully."  This  being  quietly,  deliberately,  and  prayer- 
fully chastised  and  punished  after  the  style  of  those  times, 
was  never  pleasantly  remembered  by  our  friend,  even  in 
mature  life. 

The  father  became  more  and  more  skeptical  in  his  re- 
ligious views ;  as  well  he  might,  for  Wilmington,  at  that 
time,  was,  to  some  extent,  a  centre  for  free-thinking,  and  of 
free-thinkers.  Distinguished  infidel  lecturers  visited  the 
town  to  enlighten  the  people  on  religious  subjects.  The 
Hicksite  division  of  the  society  of  Friends  occurring  about 
that  time,  created  no  little  bitterness  among  them.  Mr. 
Inskip  naturally  took  sides  with  the  rationalistic  wing, 
which  aided  in  pushing  him  further  away  and  landing  him 
into  confirmed  infidelity,  or,  as  nearly  confirmed  as  this 
class  of  doubters  usually  ate.  At  times  he  felt  the  force  of 
truth.  Under  an  affecting  appeal  made  to  him  by  a  clergy- 
man of  the  town,  he  shed  tears,  and  tacitly  acknowledged 
that  he  was  in  the  wrong.  Once  when  he  was  sick,  and 
thought  to  be  nigh  unto  death,  a  female  of  the  society  of 
Friends  called  to  see  and  commune  with  him.  She  said, 
"  Edward,  how  is  it  with  thee  in  regard  to  religious  mat- 
ters ?  "  "  Oh,"  he  responded,  "  all  is  dark !  I  go,  I  know 
not  whither  1    Whether  there  is  a  hereafter  or  not,  I  can- 


14 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


not  tell.  Awful  doubt !  Tremendous  suspense ! "  And  yet, 
on  his  recovery,  he  added  to  his  doubts,  and  continued  to 
make  vigorous  efforts  to  reconcile  his  opinions  with  what  he 
called  "  sober  ideas  of  God." 

The  mother,  who  still  retained  a  reverential  regard  for 
he  sacred  Scriptures,  was  accustomed  to  gather  her  children 
about  her,  especially  on  the  Sabbath  day,  and  have  them 
read  the  Bible,  and  learn  the  Lord's  Prayer,  etc.  Sabbath 
afternoon,  while  her  husband  was  absent  with  his  infidel 
associates,  was  the  time  she  selected  for  this  service.  On 
the  husband's  approach,  all  was  abandoned,  as  he  would  not 
allow,  if  he  could  prevent  it,  the  Bible  to  be  read  in  his 
house. 

At  one  time  John  had  a  great  desire  to  attend  the  Sab- 
bath school,  and  asked  permission  of  his  mother  to  do  so. 
She  replied  that  she  would  ask  his  father,  but  feared  he 
would  not  allow  it.  "When  asked,  he  would  not  consent. 
This  caused  John  much  regret  and  many  tears. 

About  this  time,  Martha,  one  of  the  daughters,  became 
deeply  interested  in  the  subject  of  religion,  under  the 
ministry  of  a  Baptist  clergyman  of  the  town,  and  soon  after 
professed  conversion.  She  was  naturally  gay  and  worldly ; 
and  she  well  knew  that  should  she  become  a  professed  Chris- 
tian, she  would  be  frowned  upon  by  the  world,  and,  worse 
than  all,  by  her  affectionate,  but  deluded  father.  Notwith- 
tanding  all  these  hindrances,  she  resolved  to  become  a  fol- 
lower of  Christ.  The  father,  hearing  of  her  purpose  and 
profession,  with  all  the  impious  rage  with  which  an  utter 
contempt  of  sacred  things  inflames  a  soul,  said :  "  What !  a 
daughter  of  mine  visit  such  a  place !  She  become  religious ! 
No,  never !  "  Addressing  her,  he  said :  "  If  you  do,  Miss, 
you  must  know  the  consequences.  You  shall  dwell  no 
longer  under  my  roof.  I  will  disown  you  forever."  At 
this,  her  heart  was  filled  with  deepest  anguish,  and  she  shed 


EABLY  YEARS. 


15 


many  tears,  but  remained  firm  in  her  purpose,  resolving  to 
follow  the  Lord  Jesus,  if  to  do  so  she  must  forsake  home, 
father,  and  all.  He  does  not  seem,  in  her  case,  to  have 
executed  his  threat.  She  subsequently  became  the  wife  of 
a  Baptist  deacon,  and,  as  her  brother  said,  "  There  was  no 
such  thing  as  turning  her  aside." 


CHAPTER  II. 

CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP. 

Reverses  in  business  forced  Mr.  Inskip  to  leave  Wil- 
mington. He  removed  to  East  Bradford,  Chester  Co., 
Pennsylvania,  a  rich  and  beautiful  section  of  the  Keystone 
State.  Here  he  was  employed  in  buying  and  selling  cattle. 
The  business  of  a  drover  not  only  took  him  from  home 
much  of  the  time,  but  into  rough  and  irreligious  company, 
where  his  infidel  tendencies  became  more  and  more  con- 
firmed, and  his  opposition  to  religious  truth  and  those  who 
professed  it,  more  bitter  and  unrelenting.  John,  being 
much  of  his  time  with  his  father,  imbibed  his  sentiments,  so 
far  as  a  boy  of  fourteen  could  understand  them,  and  argued 
for  infidelity  with  all  his  natural  impetuosity.  But  the 
conversion  of  his  sister,  and  of  a  day  laborer  on  his  father's 
farm,  a  most  desperate  character,  made  a  deep  impression 
upon  his  mind.  He  became  persuaded  that  there  must  be 
something  supernatural  in  the  religion  of  Jesus.  And  no 
sooner  did  he  become  convinced  of  the  truth  of  religion, 
than  his  whole  soul  seemed  eager  to'  know  the  experience. 
Swearing,  to  which  he  had  been,  as  he  says,  "  most  horribly 
addicted,"  he  determined  to  abandon,  and  was  never  after 
heard  to  utter  an  oath.  He  had  not  attended  church  for 
some  two  years,  but  he  resolved  that  he  would  go  the  fol- 
lowing Sabbath.  And  before  the  holy  day  arrived,  he  says, 
a  I  never  counted  days  and  hours  with  such  intense  anxiety 

1G 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP.  17 


as  I  did  those  of  the  remaining  part  of  that  week."  But 
the  Sabbath  arrived,  and  he,  with  a  sad  heart,  turned  his 
steps  towards  the  little  Methodist  Church  in  Marshalton. 
On  that  day  Rev.  J.  S.  Taylor  preached.  He  so  far  entered 
into  the  spirit  of  the  meeting  as  to  "feel  quite  happy." 
Four  years  later  he  writes,  "  I  am  ofttimes  led  to  believe 
that  then  and  there  I  experienced  some  of  the  love  of 
Christ;  but  for  want  of  instruction  I  lost  my  enjoyment, 
and  was  not  able  to  regain  it  until  the  eventful  moment 
when  I  received  the  unclouded  witness  of  the  Spirit." 

"  Up  to  this  time,"  he  says,  "  I  had  made  no  disclosure  of 
the  exercises  of  my  mind  to  any  human  being,  except  an 
Irish  laborer  who  lived  with  my  father.  One  Sabbath 
evening  as  I  was  returning  from  meeting,  I  said  to  him : 
'  Robert,  I  have  been  very  wicked,  but  I  intend  to  try  to  do 
better.'  '  Och,  mon,'  said  he,  '  ye  are  nae  sae  bad.'  '  0  yes, 
Robert,  I  have  been  h  great  sinner.'  "  He  tells  us  that  he 
"still  attended  the  means  of  grace,"  until  he  "saw  the 
exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin."  He  even  had  a  "  strong  in- 
clination to  become  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Society, 
but  was  deterred  from  the  course  by  the  enemy  of  souls," 
who  suggested  that  he  was  "too  young,"  and  that  there 
"  was  time  enough  yet." 

Sabbath  afternoon,  April  10,  1832,  while  listening  to  an 
impressive  sermon  preached  in  the  meeting-house  at 
Marshalton,  by  Rev.  Levi  Scott,  afterwards  Bishop  Scott, 
from  Luke  xiv.  18  —  "And  they  all  with  one  consent  began 
to  make  excuse,"  —  he  was  led  to  feel  more  profoundly  his 
need  of  Christ  than  ever  before.  The  preacher  searched  all 
hearts.  "  The  remark  which  rested  with  the  greatest  weight 
upon  my  mind,"  he  says,  "  was  the  following  :  '  There  is  a 
little  boy  here  who  says  that  he  is  too  young.'  These  words 
seemed  to  say,  '  Thou  art  the  one  to  whom  the  word  of  this 
salvation  is  sent.'    I  went  home  with  a  determination  that 


18 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


I  would  come  out  on  the  Lord's  side."  In  the  evening  he 
returned  to  hear  Rev.  J.  S.  Taylor,  and  on  his  way  fell  in 
company  with  a  pious  but  greatly  persecuted  lady,  who  in- 
vited him  to  remain  until  the  close  of  the  prayer-meeting. 
He  did  not  reach  the  church  until  after  the  preacher  had 
commenced  his  sermon.  Following  the  sermon  was  the 
"second  meeting."  Of  this  there  are  before  me  two 
accounts  written  by  Mr.  Inskip.  We  give  the  substance  of 
both :  11  At  the  commencement  of  the  prayer-meeting  an 
invitation  was  given  for  the  mourners  to  come  forward. 
My  heart  was  ready  to  break.  I  said  to  the  lad  who  was 
with  me,  'Tom,  I  am  going  forward.'  'No,  don't,  John,'  he 
said.  '  Yes,  I  will,'  I  replied.  He  then  seemed  to  use  some 
force  to  deter  me,  and  seeing  this  I  broke  away  from  him 
and  rushed  through  the  crowd,  and  with  the  rest  of  the 
penitents  asked  an  interest  in  the  prayers  of  God's  people ; 
and  in  less  than  one  hour  my  soul  was  happy  in  a  Saviour's 
pardoning  love.  One  of  the  brethren  asked  me  if  I  thought 
that  the  Lord  had  blessed  me.  I  replied,  '  Yes,  I  feel  that 
the  Lord  has  comforted  my  soul.'  He  then  asked  me  if  I 
would  get  up  and  tell  the  people  what  the  Lord  had  done 
for  me.  I  answered  him  in  the  affirmative,  and  arose  and 
told  my  tale  of  joy.  That  night  I  joined  the  church,  though 
I  was  fully  persuaded  that  my  father  would  be  much  dis- 
pleased with  me  for  so  doing." 

In  another  account  he  gives  some  details  which  do  not 
appear  in  the  first.  While  kneeling  at  the  "  mourner's 
bench "  two  friends  came  to  him  to  give  him  instruction 
and  encouragement —  one,  "Joseph  Burton,  a  man  of  years, 
and  known  as  a  most  earnest  and  devout  Christian ;  and  class- 
leader."  Mr.  Inskip  says  :  "  As  we  waited,  the  old  class- 
leader  knelt  by  my  side  and  said,  '  My  lad,  dost  thou  believe 
in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ? '  My  response  was,  yes.  He 
then  inquired,  '  Dost  thou  believe  that  the  Lord  Jesus 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  GIIOP.  19 


Christ  is  able  to  save  thee?'  Without  hesitation  I  an- 
swered, yes.  With  increased  emphasis  he  said,  'Dost  thou 
believe  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  willing  to  save  thee  ?  " 
My  reply  was,  yes.  Becoming  more  earnest  in  his  manner 
he  asked,  'Dost  thou  believe  He  is  able  and  willing  to  save 
thee  now  ?  '  My  answer  was  ready  and  emphatic,  yes.  In 
the  most  kind  and  solemn  manner  he  said,  '  Dost  thou,  my 
lad,  believe  that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  does  save  thee  now  ? ' 
I  answered  yes,  and  in  an  instant  was  on  my  feet,  surprised, 
but  saved." 

This  was  the  beginning  of  not  only  a  new  life  with  our 
young  friend,  but  of  the  most  trying  tests  of  loyalty  to 
Jesus.  He  was  well  assured  that  his  father  would  oppose 
him,  and  likely  expel  him  from  his  house.  He  says,  "  I 
told  the  lady  with  whom  I  went  to  the  meeting,  that  I  knew 
I  must  leave  my  parents'  roof,  and  made  arrangements  with 
her  to  stay  in  her  family  a  few  days  while  I  might  be  seek- 
ing a  place  in  which  I  could  learn  a  trade." 

He  reached  his  home  late  at  night,  to  find  the  family,  as 
he  supposed,  all  asleep.  He  retired,  and  slept  sweetly,  till 
morning,  when  he  arose,  he  tells  us,  "  with  a  light  heart,"  not- 
withstanding the  prospect  of  a  storm  near  at  hand.  At  the 
breakfast  table,  the  father  said,  "  John,  what  made  you  stay 
so  late  at  the  meeting,  last  night?"  His  only  answer  was, 
that  he  "  wished  to  see  it  all  out."  Nothing  more  was 
said  on  the  subject,  at  that  time. 

He  joined  the  church  as  a  probationer,  on  the  night  of 
his  conversion,  but  did  not  communicate  the  fact  to  his 
mother  until  the  following  Thursday  evening.  He  then 
told  her  frankly  that  he  had  joined  the  Methodists.  "  Well, 
indeed,"  she  said,  "I  am  very  sorry,  as  all  your  religion 
will  be  over  in  a  few  days.  You  are  too  young ;  and  you 
have  not  weighed  the  matter  seriously."  But  his  sister 
Martha,  who  was  at  home  on  a  visit,  encouraged  him. 


20 


I      LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


"  John,"  she  said,  "  watch  and  pray,  and  no  doubt  you  will 
be  able  to  hold  out  to  the  end."  His  mother  remarked,  that 
she  could  not  tell  what  his  father  might  say  about  it  when 
he  learned  that  he  had  joined  the  Methodists.  "But  I 
felt,"  he  says,  "  that  the  grace  of  God  would  be  sufficient 
for  me."  The  mother  communicated  the  gloomy  tidings  to 
her  husband,  that  his  only  son  had  become  a  Methodist. 
He  seemed  greatly  surprised  and  afflicted,  but  said  nothing 
to  John  in  reference  to  it  for  several  months.  So  the  lad's 
expectations  of  being  cast  out,  were  not  realized. 

"  I  soon  began,"  he  says,  "  to  feel  that  it  was  my  duty  to 
exhort  sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  which  I  did, 
now  and  then,  and  with  some  success."  He  seems  to  have 
been  a  Boanerges  from  the  beginning.  He  attended  meet- 
ings on  all  occasions,  and  did  much  earnest  praying  and  ex- 
horting. 

One  or  two  instances  will  illustrate  the  spirit  with  which 
he  and  others  labored,  and  the  power  which  attended  their 
efforts.  "  Rev.  J.  B.  Ayers  had  preached  one  of  his  charac- 
teristic sermons,"  says  Mr.  Inskip,  "  in  which  he  gave  rum- 
selling  a  terrible  scathing.  He  urged  us  to  pray  that  God 
would,  in  some  way,  deliver  the  neighborhood  from  the 
awful  and  destructive  abomination.  One  of  the  very  worst 
kind  of  taverns  was  kept  close  to  the  church.  Frequently 
the  proprietor  would  encourage  the  young  men  to  drink  to 
intoxication.  Then  they  would  come  to  our  meetings,  and 
some  times  greatly  disturb  and  annoy  us.  We  were  admon- 
ished to  pray  that  he  might  be  awakened  and  converted,  or 
that  God,  in  some  way,  would  destroy  his  capability  for 
mischief.  The  appeal  was  a  powerful  one,  and  produced  on 
my  mind  a  wonderful  impression.  I  seemed  to  be  entirely 
absorbed  with  the  sentiment  and  aim  of  the  sermon,  and  es- 
pecially with  the  proposition  to  pray.  Stimulated  by  the 
appeal,  I  knelt  down,  and  so  did  all  the  people.    An  unusual 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP.  21 


sense  of  the  presence  of  God  pervaded  the  congregation.  I 
remember  only  a  small  portion  of  the  prayer  I  was  led  to 
offer.  After  referring  to  the  wrongs  we  had  endured,  and 
the  terrible  damage  that  was  being  done  by  the  rum-seller, 
I  cried  out  to  God  to  undertake  for  us.  That  was  a  common 
mode  of  giving  expression  to  any  special  earnestness  of  soul 
that  might  come  upon  us.  So  I  proceeded  to  pray,  '0 
Lord,  undertake  for  us,  and  make  bare  Thy  holy  arm ! 
Take  hold  of  this  man  who  is  destroying  all  about  him. 
We  beseech  Thee,  0  God,  to  awaken  and  convert  him ;  but 
if  he  will  not  consent  to  this,  break  him  up,  or  kill  him.' 
The  responses  to  the  prayer  were  amazing.  It  was  a  time 
of  wonderful  power.  That  prayer  was  heard  and  answered. 
In  a  manner  we  cannot  stop  to  detail,  the  Almighty  over- 
whelmed this  man's  business.  He  was  sold  out  by  the 
sheriff,  and  died  a  death  of  utter  horror  and  despair.  Swift 
and  fearful  vengeance  does  sometimes  overtake  the  wicked 
in  their  mad  career." 

Another  instance  of  persistent  prayer  will  be  read  with 
interest.  He  describes  the  conversion  of  one  Morgan 
Massey,  on  this  wise :  — 

"  There  was  a  saddler's  shop  on  the  highway  near  our  home, 
kept  by  one  Titus  Gheen,  who  became  greatly  exercised 
concerning  his  soul.  I  had  been  in  the  habit  of  going  into 
a  corn-field  near  by,  to  pray,  and  sometimes  my  private  de- 
votions took  a  more  boisterous  and  public  form,  than  my 
more  matured  judgment  would  approve.  In  one  instance  he 
overheard  me,  and  asked  the  privilege  of  accompanying  me 
the  next  time  I  might  go  there ;  a  proposition  to  which  I 
readily  assented.  Profane  persons  who  passed  by,  over- 
heard us,  as  we  wept  and  prayed  together.  It  was  soon  re- 
ported all  over  the  country  that  'John  Inskip  had  taken 
Titus  Gheen  into  the  corn-field,  and  put  the  bars  up,  and  the 
devil  couldn't  get  in.'    Whether  or  not  all  the  report  was 


22 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


correct  and  true,  I  can't  stop  to  inquire,  but  I  do  know,  in 
the  affair  that  occurred  in  the  saddler's  shop,  the  Evil  One  was 
excluded,  and  completely  overcome.  Morgan  Massey  callt-d 
about  the  noon  hour,  and  I  was  having  a  pleasant  social 
season  with  the  saddler  and  his  family.  He  said,  '  John, 
I  am  in  great  trouble.  The  devil  has  been  pursuing  me  all 
day.  I  began  to  pray  in  the  house,  and  he  was  there.  Then 
I  went  away  out  into  the  woods,  and  knelt  down  and  tried 
to  pray,  but  could  not,  for  the  devil  was  there.  Now  I  have 
come  here  to  know  what  to  do,  for  I  am  in  great  distress, 
and  can't  stand  it  much  longer.'  I  responded,  the  Lord  will 
help  you,  and  bless  you.  Deeming  him,  as  well  as  the  other 
man,  greatly  in  earnest,  I  closed  the  door,  and  said  to  the  sad- 
dler's wife  and  sister,  who  were  Christians,  and  who  had 
just  come  in,  '  We  are  about  to  pray  for  these  two  men,  and 
if  you  wish  to  join  me  in  doing  this,  we  will  lock  the  door 
and  it  shall  never  be  opened  again  until  these  men  are  con- 
verted. They  looked  with  astonishment  as  I  proceeded  to- 
ward the  door,  and  turned  the  key.  I  commenced  singing 
'  Come,  ye  sinners,  poor  and  needy,'  and  then  invited  them 
to  come  to  the  altar,  extemporized  for  the  occasion  out  of 
two  'saddlers'  horses,'  or  work-benches,  at  hand.  They 
came  forward  and  knelt  down,  and  I  prayed  and  sang  until 
far  on  in  the  afternoon,  the  wife  and  sister  taking  their 
turns.  The  saddler  ultimately  came  out  wonderfully  clear, 
and  declared  that  God  had  saved  him.  The  other  continued 
to  agonize  and  struggle,  and  finally,  seemed  to  be  without 
hope.  I  exhausted  my  fund  of  information  and  expedients 
for  the  encouragement  of  the  seeker,  but  all  was  of  no  avail. 
I  sang  and  prayed  and  wept  and  called  on  the  Almighty  for 
help.  But  no  help  seemed  to  be  at  hand,  and  sinking  down 
into  a  state  of  utter  despair,  he  ceased  to  pray.  As  I  looked 
at  the  probabilities  of  the  case,  the  prospect  for  a  good 
long  stay  in  that  saddler's  shop,  was  becoming  more  assured 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP.  23 

than  was  desirable.  As  I  sat  musing  and  inquiring  what 
next  to  do,  Massey  lifted  up  his  face,  and  with  an  expres- 
sion of  awful  determination,  exclaimed,  '0  Lord,  if  you 
will  bless  me,  I'll  join  meeting ! '  To  join  the  Methodist 
Church  there  and  then,  meant  something,  a  good  deal  more 
than  it  does  now.  With  him  it  was  the  last  struggle  —  the 
final  test  of  earnestness  and  fidelity.  He  had  scarcely  fin- 
ished the  declaration  before  he  commenced  clapping  his 
hands,  and  shouted,  1  Glory,  glory,  glory  to  God,  I'm  saved ! ' 
More  persons  than  he,  shouted ;  yea,  verily, '  shouted  a  great 
shout,'  as  the  Scriptures  have  it.  He  'joined  meeting,'  and 
has  continued  steadfast  unto  this  day.  He  is  one  of  the 
class-leaders  at  the  Grove." 

He  describes  a  Sunday-school  anniversary  in  which  he 
and  others  took  part,  which  differed  essentially  from  many 
of  a  more  modern  type.  He  says,  "  We  had  no  platform, 
no  instruments  of  music,  no  particular  adorning  or  dressing 
for  the  occasion.  All  of  us  were  too  religious  for  anything 
of  that  kind.  The  people  came  in  great  crowds,  and  all 
seemed  wonderfully  interested.  There  was  much  prayer  in 
our  preparation.  Our  'pieces'  were  pretty  much  all  poetic. 
Billy  Elliot  spoke  the  hymn  commencing, 

'There  is  a  land  of  pleasure, 
Where  streams  of  joy  forever  roll.' 

It  was  a  very  exciting  address.  The  people  wept  and 
shouted  for  joy.  Matty  Arlett  spoke  a  poem  on  the  judg- 
ment, taken  from  an  old  Methodist  magazine,  and  we  were 
all  moved  to  the  very  depths  of  our  being.  God  was  with 
us  in  great  power.  The  work  of  conversion  went  fouward 
with  increasing  interest  and  power  on  account  of  this  cele- 
bration. It  was  a  real  'means  of  grace'  to  old  and  young. 
In  fact,  there"  were  no  old  or  young  people  among  us.  We 
were  all  old  and  all  young.    The  patriarchs  among  us  looked 


24 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


with  deepest  interest  and  affection  upon  the  junior  members 
of  the  flock.  It  was  a  true  home  for  us  all.  It  mattered  not 
whether  we  were  at  camp-meeting,  in  the  ordinary  church 
congregation,  or  at  Sabbath-school,  all  was  alike  spiritual 
and  truly  religious.  I  don't  expect  to  see  another  such  a 
a  band  in  this  vale  of  tears." 

In  the  spring  of  1833,  the  Inskip  family  removed  to 
another  part  of  Chester  County,  known  as  Goshen.  Here 
John  united  with  the  Grove  M.  E.  Church  by  letter,  and  at 
once  entered  into  active  service.  This  church  seems  to 
have  been  blessed  with  an  active,  earnest  company  of  godly 
men  and  women.  Speaking  of  them,  Mr.  Inskip  says  :  "  The 
Grove  contained  a  host  of,  young  men,  who  were  accustomed 
to  hold  prayer-meetings,  and  in  various  ways  labor  for  the 
good  of  souls."  He  received,  from  this  church,  license  to 
exhort,  and  right  royally  did  he  exercise  the  gift. 

About  this  time  he  attended  his  first  camp-meeting,  which 
was  held  in  "  Squire "  McCurdy's  woods.  The  company 
*  gathered  at  Bro.  Hill's  residence,  and  started  loDg  before 
daybreak,  with  a  '  big  wagon,'  and  a  first-class  Chester 
County  team  of  horses."  The  tent,  furniture,  baggage,  and 
some  of  the  sisters,  were  crowded  into  the  wagon,  and  the 
strong  and  more  healthy  ones  walked.  "The  entire  ex- 
pense," he  says,  "  was  less  than  one  dollar  each  for  the 
trip."  This  was  camp-meeting  fifty  years  ago.  He  repre- 
sents it  as  a  "wonderful  meeting."  It  was  a  rough  neigh- 
borhood, aud  people  of  the  "  baser  sort "  came  in  crowds. 
Among  the  persons  converted  at  this  meeting  was  John 
McColley,  a  noted  pugilist,  who  became  an  active  helper, 
and  accompanied  Billy  Elliot  —  afterwards,  Rev.  William 
Elliot  —  and  our  youthful  exhorter,  on  many  an  adventurous 
trip  to  save  souls.  The  trio,  McColley,  Elliot,  and  Inskip, 
made  a  strong  prayer-meeting  band,  and  they  went  wherever 
there  was  an  open  door,  and  men  to  be  saved. 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP.  25 

Though  the  country  was  thickly  settled,  there  was  not  a 
Methodist,  nor  a  professor  of  religion,  within  a  mile  of  his 
father's  house ;  and  the  subject  of  religion  was  seldom  ever 
mentioned.  The  nearest  class-meeting  was  nearly  three 
miles  away,  and  though  he  was  obliged  to  walk,  his  place 
was  seldom  vacant.  He  felt  the  necessity  of  being  punctual 
in  all  his  religious  duties,  lest  the  enemy  get  the  advantage 
of  him. 

Mr.  McColley  and  John  Inskip  commenced  holding 
prayer-meecings  in  a  small  house,  which,  he  says,  was  not 
more  than  fifteen  feet  square.  "  The  people  came  out  in 
great  numbers  to  hear  what  these  babblers  had  to  say."  As 
many  as  could  do  so,  crowded  into  the  house,  to  whom  these 
youthful  exhorters  declared  the  counsel  of  God.  Six  per- 
sons were  converted,  which  aroused  the  spirit  of  evil.  The 
owner  of  the  house  informed  the  lady  who  occupied  it,  that 
unless  she  "  cleaned  those  Methodists  out,"  she  must  vacate 
the  house.  She  was  a  poor,  dependent  widow,  and  for  her 
sake  they  withdrew,  and  were  without  a  place  of  worship.  It 
was  then  that  they  betook  themselves  to  prayer  for  Divine 
help.  A  place  of  worship  they  greatly  needed,  and  they 
firmly  believed  that  in  some  way  God  would  answer  their 
prayers. 

We  give  the  history  of  their  success  in  Mr.  Inskip's  own 
words  :  "  On  the  farm  belonging  to  our  family,  was  a  black- 
smith shop.  It  had  been  used  as  such  for  over  fifty  years. 
It  stood  immediately  on  the  highway,  and  was  presented  to 
my  mind,  as  a  suitable  place  for  meetings.  At  once  we  com- 
menced praying  to  God,  that  my  infidel  father  might  be  in- 
duced to  allow  us  to  use  the  smith-shop  for  religious  pur- 
poses. After  asking,  for  days  together,  Divine  aid  and 
guidance,  I  went,  with  much  of  anxious  feeling,  and  made 
known  my  request.  My  father  was  incensed,  and  would 
have  spurned  me  away ;  but  he  feared  to  do  this,  and 


20 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


simply  responded,  "  I  will  talk  to  your  mother  about  it." 
Of  course  I  knew  that  meant  success.  So  I  prayed  more 
and  more  fervently.  When  alone,  the  old  gentleman  said 
to  mother,  'My  dear,  John  wants  the  smith-shop,  to  hold 
meetings  in.  What  do  you  think  of  it?'  She  promptly 
responded,  '  Let  him  have  it,  by  all  means.  If  he  don't  get 
something  to  keep  him  home,  he  will  kill  himself  running 
about  to  hold  meetings  elsewhere.'  That  settled  the  ques- 
tion, and  in  due  course  of  time,  I  received  a  favorable 
answer  to  my  request.  I  at  once  commenced  preparatory 
operations.  These  I  joyfully  pursued,  for  weeks,  alone,  and 
at  length  succeeded  in  getting  matters  into  shape,  to  war- 
rant the  circulation  of  notice  through  the  neighborhood  of 
an  opening  service.  I  wrote,  and  nailed  up  on  trees  and 
gate-posts,  in  prominent  position,  the  following  placard: 
'  There  will  be  meeting  in  Inskip's  blacksmith  shop  this 
evening,  at  early  candle-light.'  A  great  crowd  gathered. 
Watson,  Brown,  Few,  McColley,  Elliot,  Johns,  and  many 
others,  were  there.  Good  slab  seats  had  been  provided, 
which  a  neighbor  kindly  made  for  the  occasion.  The 
earth  floor  was  covered  with  tan,  and  this,  with  some  six 
inches  of  the  purest,  best  rye-straw  that  ever  grew.  The  place 
was  heated  with  an  old-fashioned  large  ten-plate  stove. 
Light  was  obtained  from  '  dipped  candles,'  stuck  on  the 
black  walls,  relieved  by  a  bountiful  use  of  the  white-wash 
brush.  It  was  a  great  meeting.  I  was  as  happy  as  if  I 
had  succeeded  in  building  a  cathedral.  I  lived  to  see  eighty 
souls  converted  in  this  place." 

The  father,  in  granting  the  use  of  the  shop,  imposed  one 
condition.  They  were  not  to  hold  their  meetings  after 
nine  o'clock  at  night. 

This  was  late  in  the  fall  of  1833,  and  they  continued 
their  meetings  during  the  winter  without  any  special  mani- 
festations of  grace.    In  the  following  spring  of  1834,  a 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP.  27 


society  was  organized,  consisting  of  thirteen  members. 
Jolin  McColley  was  appointed  leader.  Soon  after  the 
organization  of  the  society,  a  very  gracious  revival  of  re- 
ligion broke  out  among  the  people  in  the  neighborhood, 
extending  to  all  classes.  Among  the  subjects  of  this 
revival  were  two  of  Mr.  Inskip's  sisters. 

"  On  hearing  of  the  conversion  of  my  sisters,"  says  Mr. 
Inskip,  "  the  wrath  of  my  father  was  so  great  that  he 
seemed  like  one  quite  beside  himself.  My  mother  retired 
into  her  room  to  weep  over  her  misfortunes.  '  Ah  me ! '  she 
cried  out,  '  I  thought  that  as  my  daughters  were  growing  up 
to  womanhood,  they  would  in  a  short  time  become  an  honor 
and  a  comfort  to  me ;  but  now  all  is  over  ;  they  have  gone 
after  those  silly  Methodists,  and  are  ruined  forever.  Oh, 
wretched  woman  that  I  am ;  my  fond  hopes  all  blasted,  and 
I  must  spend  the  remnant  of  my  days  on  earth  in  misery.' " 

The  father,  on  learning  the  facts  in  the  case,  resolved 
upon  desperate  measures.  He  conferred  with  some  of  his 
j  infidel  friends  as  to  what  he  had  better  do,  but  found 
that  they  could  not  agree  as  to  the  best  measures  to  be 
adopted  to  rid  the  neighborhood  of  the  pernicious  influence 
which  the  meetings  at  the  blacksmith  shop  were  exerting. 
An  elderly  lady  said  to  him,  "  Edward,  thee  had  as  well  let 
them  alone.  They  will  do  as  they  please,  anyhow.  They 
have  got  my  daughter,  and  I  don't  know  how  to  help  it." 
But  this  counsel  only  increased  his  wrath,  and  made  him, 
if  possible,  more  determined  than  ever  to  put  an  end  to  it. 
Addressing  John,  he  said,  "  This  thing  has  gone  too  far,  and 
must  now  stop.  You  were  not  satisfied  with  beiDg  a  fool 
yourself,  and  disgracing  your  own  character,  but  you  must 
draw  your  innocent  sisters  into  the  same  snare,  and  you 
have  thereby  brought  a  lasting  stigma  upon  their  reputa- 
tion. What !  my  daughters  become  Methodists  ?  Why,  it 
is  the  heaviest  curse  that  could  have  come  upon  me  ! "    "  My 


28 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


parents  then  went  into  a  room  by  themselves,"  says  John, 
"  in  order  to  determine  as  to  the  best  plan  by  which  to  ex- 
tricate their  daughters  from  the  dilemma  into  which  they 
Lad  been  decoyed.  The  result  of  their  deliberation  was  as 
follows :  My  sisters  were  to  be  locked  up  in  a  room,  and  not 
allowed  to  attend  the  Methodist  meetings  any  more.  The 
meetings  in  the  blacksmith  shop  were  to  be  discontinued. 
My  father  was  to  go  around  and  get  the  neighbors  to  sign  a 
request  that  there  should  be  no  more  Methodist  meetings  in 
the  neighborhood.  Lastly,  I,  their  only  son,  was  to  have 
my  clothes  packed  up,  and  be  banished  from  my  parents' 
roof." 

When  the  final  decision  was  made  known  to  John,  his 
only  response  was,  "  Father,  by  the  grace  of  God,  I'll  save 
my  soul."  The  father  meant  what  he  said,  and  so  did  the 
son.  They  parted  for  the  night  —  the  son  to  sleep  sweetly, 
and  the  father  to  find  little  or  no  rest. 

Morning  came,  and  with  it  no  change  in  father  or  son. 
Before  leaving,  John  retired  to  the  barn  to  pray  that  this 
sin  might  not  be  laid  to  his  father's  charge.  His  father 
happened  to  overhear  him  pleading  for  the  salvation  of  his 
erring,  deluded  parent,  and  became  so  enraged  as  to  express 
the  wish  that  the  barn  might  take  fire  and  burn  his  son  and 
all  that  the  barn  contained. 

This  was  a  trying  hour  for  a  boy  of  sixteen ;  but  he 
passed  through  it  bravely.  He  says,  "  Before  I  left  I  en- 
couraged my  sisters  to  maintain  their  integrity,  and  not  to 
fear."  He  turned  his  back  upon  his  infidel  home,  and  his 
face  towards  the  wide,  wide  world,  trusting  alone  in  Jesus. 
"As  soon  as  I  got  out  of  sight  of  my  home,  and  realized 
that  I  had  the  honor  of  suffering  for  Christ,  there  came 
upon  my  spirit  a  jubilee  of  gladness  and  victory  no  words 
can  express.  I  wept  and  shouted,  and  sang  that  beautiful 
song,  — 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP.  29 


"  '  O,  how  happy  are  they 
Who  their  Saviour  obey, 
And  have  laid  up  their  treasures  above,'  &c. 

"  I  was  full  of  music  and  full  of  joy.  No  hour  of  all  my 
life  had  been  more  crowded  with  the  real  bliss  of  God's 
salvation.  There  was  not  a  tinge  of  sadness,  not  a  solitary- 
moment  of  regret.  On  and  on  I  went,  singing  and  re- 
joicing in  the  Lord.  As  I  went  along  the  road,  an  elderly 
lady,  connected  with  the  society  of  Friends,  saw  me  coming, 
and  hearing  my  song,  at  once  seemed  to  know  something 
unusual  had  occurred,  and  said  to  me,  '  John,  what's  the 
matter  ?  where's  thee  going  ? '  My  answer  was,  '  Oh, 
nothing.  Father  has  driven  me  away,  and  I  am  going  to 
Brother  Hill's,  my  class-leader,  to  ask  his  advice.  Glory  to 
God,  I'm  turned  out  for  Christ's  sake  ! '  Then,  starting  on 
my  journey,  I  continued  singing, — 

"  '  Jesus  all  the  day  long, 
Is  my  joy  and  my  song, 
O  that  all  His  salvation  might  see,'  "  &c. 

That  song,  and  that  journey,  will  be  remembered  forever. 

It  was  his  purpose  to  apprentice  himself  to  learn  some 
useful  trade,  but  God  had  other  and  nobler  work  for  him. 
He  returned  the  following  day  to  have  a  final  understanding 
of  matters,  and  procure  the  few  clothes  which  belonged  to 
him.  "  But  lo !  "  he  says,  "  what  a  change  !  I  beheld  a 
great  deal  of  tenderness  and  seriousness  in  the  counte- 
nances of  my  parents.  The  storm  of  rage  and  unnatural 
grief  had  passed  away,  and  a  pleasing,  thoughtful  calm  had 
taken  its  place.  With  a  heavenly  smile,  and  with  eyes  full 
of  heavenly  joy,  my  sisters  informed  me  that  they  had 
heard  father  say  to  mother  that  he  intended  to  lead  a  new 
life."  But  nothing  seems  to  have  passed  between  them  of 
special  note  until,  "  in  the  evening,  with  considerable  agi- 


30 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  mSKIP. 


tation,  the  father  said,  '  John,  we  must  have  prayers  in  the 
family ;  I  will  read  and  you  must  pray.' "  He  read  the 
fifty-third  chapter  of  Isaiah,  and  while  reading  became  so 
much  affected  that  he  was  obliged  to  stop  and  give  vent  to 
his  feelings  in  profuse  weeping.  John  prayed,  as  might  be 
expected,  with  great  faith  and  fervor. 

"We  continued  our  family  devotions,"  says  John,  "for 
several  days  before  my  father  found  any  relief.  His  dis- 
tress of  mind  finally  became  so  great  that  I  thought  it  was 
necessary  to  send  for  Bro.  McColley  and  his  wife,  in  order 
to  hold  a  private  prayer-meeting  for  his  special  benefit. 
Bro.  McColley  came,  according  to  iequest.  As  soon  as  he 
came,  my  father  introduced  the  subject  of  religion,  and  in  a 
little  while  said,  '  We  ought  to  have  some  prayers.'  Bro. 
McColley  then  went  to  prayer,  and  prayed  very  fervently. 
He  then  called  upon  me  to  pray,  which  I  accordingly  did. 
After  I  had  closed,  my  father  said,  '  Now  I  will  try  and 
pray.'  His  prayers  were  answered,  and  the  man  who  had 
been  an  accomplished  and  persevering  opponent  of  Chris- 
tianity for  many  years,  was  then  and  there  made  a  new 
creature  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  felt  the  blessedness  of  revealed 
religion." 

To  say  that  the  company  felt  inexpressible  joy,  would  be 
saying  as  little  as  could  be  said.  John  and  the  two  sisters 
could  scarcely  contain  themselves,  so  great  was  their  joy  at 
the  change  in  the  father.  But  the  mother  was  in  deeper 
trouble  than  ever.  She  saw  her  husband  and  children 
happy  in  a  sense  of  God's  pardoning  love,  and  yet  felt  no 
hope  or  peace  of  soul.  She  was  yet  a  stranger  to  God. 
But  she  importuned  God  to  save  her,  until  a  few  nights 
later,  about  twelve  o'clock,  she  fancied  she  heard  the  Lord 
speak  to  her  in  an  audible  voice,  saying,  "  Come,  and  let  us 
reason  together ;  though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall 
be  white  as  snow;  and  though  they  be  red  like  crimson, 


CONVERSION,  AND  THE  BLACKSMITH  SHOP.  31 


they  shall  be  as  wool."  That  moment  her  burden  left  her, 
and  she  received  the  witness  of  her  acceptance  with  Christ. 
The  next  morning,  during  family  worship,  she  confessed  the 
change  which  she  had  experienced  during  the  previous 
night. 

These  conversions  revolutionized  the  household.  The 
parents  became  members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  The 
father  became  a  class-leader  and  licensed  exhorter,  and  the 
mother  became  one  of  those  quiet  but  regular  Methodists, 
whose  experience  was  uniform,  and  whose  whole  life  was  a 
loving  exemplification  of  the  power  of  grace. 

The  work  continued  to  go  forward  in  the  blacksmith 
shop  —  which  they  named  "  Mount  Joy  "  —  until  there 
were  more  than  sixty  members  in  the  society.  The  old 
shop  was  soon  converted  into  a  neat  little  meeting-house, 
and  became  one  of  the  regular  appointments  on  Radner 
Circuit. 


CHAPTER  III. 


THE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 

Mr.  Inskip  seems  to  have  been  early  impressed  with  a 
Divine  call  to  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry.  His  edu- 
cation had  been  only  such  as  could  be  secured  in  those 
times  in  the  common  schools.  His  father,  now  that  he  had 
become  a  Christian,  anxious  to  give  his  son  every  advan- 
tage possible  to  fit  him  for  his  life  work,  arranged  to  send 
him  to  college.  Mr.  Inskip  gives  no  account  of  his  connec- 
tion with  Dickinson  College,  Carlisle,  Pa.,  and  yet  it  is 
evident  that  he  spent  some  time  there,  but  how  long,  we 
have  no  means  of  determining.  The  following  letter,  written 
to  those  whom  he  loved  at  one  time  much  better  than  he 
loved  his  own  parents,  throws  some  light  upon  this  subject. 
Mr.  Burton  was  the  old  class-leader  who  directed  him  to 
Jesus  when  he  was  earnestly  seeking  the  Lord.  The  letter 
is  as  follows  :  — 

"Carlisle,  Cum.  Co.,  Pa.,  Jan.  81,  1835. 

"  My  dear  Father  and  Mother  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  —  I  am  now 
seated  for  the  purpose  of  communicating  a  few  lines  which  I  have 
not  the  least  doubt  will  afford  you  a  measure  of  comfort  and  consola- 
tion while  traveling  in  the  way  of  the  kingdom.  You  did  at  one 
time  appear  to  me  as  my  only  true  parents  in  the  world.  When  I  was 
at  your  house,  and  then  alone,  I  felt  at  home.  My  soul  always  re- 
joiced to  come  and  stay  with  you.  Thank  God,  although  I  have  been 
separated  from  you  for  some  time,  yet  still  I  feel  that  principle  of 
love  towards  you,  that  I  trust  will  never  be  destroyed  either  in  this 
world,  or  in  the  world  to  come.  Although  you  do  not  now  seem  the 
32 


THE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 


33 


only  parents  I  have  in  the  world  (as  my  riatural  parents  are  now  con- 
verted), yet  still  I  love  you  the  same.  You  have  been  a  great  blessing 
to  my  soul.  May  God  reward  you  for  your  kindness  to  me.  I  thank 
God  that  I  am  still  trying  to  serve  my  Master,  and  do  His  will. 

"  While  I  am  adding  to  my  literary  knowledge,  my  prayer  still  is, 
Lord,  increase  my  knowledge  of  Thy  way  and  of  my  own  heart.  I 
have  for  some  length  of  time  been  struggling  after  holiness  of  heart. 
Last  night,  in  the  time  of  family  worship,  after  prayers  my  room-mate 
went  up  stairs  and  commenced  prayer  in  secret  to  God.  I  quickly 
followed  him,  and  I  commenced  struggling  after  the  blessing  of  sanc- 
tification.  I  began  to  conclude  that  I  never  should  be  better  prepared 
to  receive  this  blessing  than  at  the  present  moment.  My  faith  began 
to  increase,  and  I  laid  hold  on  the  promise  of  God,  and  my  poor  soul 
emerged  into  the  liberty  of  the  Gospel.  I  am  now  enabled  to  say, 
•The  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth  me  from  all  unrighteousness.'  I  now 
feel  I  have  that  hope  which  maketh  not  ashamed.  Glory  be  to  God! 
I  know  that  at  this  m,oment,  while  I  am  writing,  that  I  enjoy  this 
inestimable  blessing.  I  feel  it  in  my  soul.  Oh !  glory  be  to  my  God ! 
Help  to  praise  the  Lord  for  what  He  has  done  for  my  soul.  We  have 
good  meetings  in  Carlisle  at  present.  I  think  that  seven  or  eight 
souls  have  been  soundly  converted  to  God.  The  work  has  commenced 
among  the  students  of  the  college.  All  around  in  this  region  of  the 
country  the  Lord  is  reviving  His  work  in  a  powerful  manner.  Oh 
that  God  would  speak  with  His  awakening  voice  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Marshalton!  It  is  still  dear  to  me.  You  have  no  need  of  any  dis- 
couragement, for  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  your  friend.  The  reason  of  my 
writing  this  letter  is,  that  by  humble  profession  in  the  fear  of  God,  I 
may  not  be  so  easily  overcome  by  the  enemy.  I  will  now  conclude 
with  asking  you  to  pray  for  me  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  do  the  whole 
will  of  my  Master.  And  may  God  bless  and  save  you  eternally,  for 
His  mercy's  sake.  Amen. 

"  John  S.  Inskip,  to  J.  S.  Burton. 

"P.  S  —  Remember  me  to  Brother  Mills  and  Brother  S.  Quimby. 
Although  I  suppose  that  brother  has  only  just  received  my  last  letter. 
Do,  please,  write  to  me  as  soon  as  possible.  I  shall  be  much  pleased 
to  hear  from  you  all.  Remember  me  to  Brother  Parrish  and  all 
inquiring  friends." 

This  letter  reveals  two  important  facts  in  Mr.  Inskip's 


34 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


life,  —  first,  that  he  was,  for  a  time,  a  student  in  Dickin- 
son College  ;  and  secondly,  that  at  this  early  period  in  his 
life  he  experienced  the  blessing  of  heart  purity. 

It  does  not  appear  that  he  remained  long  in  college.  It 
is  doubtful  if  he  was  there  so  long  as  a  single  year.  His 
father's  financial  circumstances,  it  is  presumed,  would  not 
allow  of  a  longer  stay. 

So  soon  as  he  left  college,  the  work  of  the  ministry  was 
again  pressed  upon  his  attention.  It  was  understood  at 
that  time,  that  whoever  entered  upon  this  important  work 
must  be  conscious  of  a  Divine  call.  For  months  previous, 
he  had  been  engaged  in  calling  sinners  to  repentance.  He 
now  felt  that  his  whole  life  should  be  devoted  to  this  work. 
In  this  decision,  he  was  not  influenced  by  mercenary 
motives,  for  such  motives  did  not  often  exist  in  those  times. 
He  who  became  a  Methodist  preacher,  went  forth  "without 
purse  or  scrip,"  and  seldom  with  "  two  coats ; "  feeling  "  woe 
is  me,  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel." 

That  the  church  might  discern  the  fitness  of  candidates 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  they  were  first  licensed  to 
"  exhort."  He  who  was  not  a  successful  "  exhorter,"  would 
never,  in  the  estimation  of  the  church  of  those  times,  be- 
come a  successful  preacher.  So,  by  the  advice  of  the  class 
of  which  he  was  a  member,  and  which  he  had  been  the 
main  instrument  in  raising  up,  he  was  duly  licensed  to  ex- 
hort. If  in  this  relation  he  evinced  "gifts,  grace,  and 
usefulness,"  he  would  be  advanced  to  a  higher  grade  —  that 
of  a  "  local  preacher." 

Before  receiving  license  to  preach,  it  was  necessary,  in 
order  that  the  official  brethren  might  be  able  to  judge  cor- 
rectly of  the  candidate's  abilities  and  promise,  that  he 
preach  what  were  called  "trial  sermons,"  at  different  ap- 
pointments on  the  circuit.  Having  passed  this  ordeal,  he 
was  recommended  in  due  form  to  the  quarterly  conference 


THE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 


35 


for  license  to  preach.  He  says,  "  Bev.  John  Potts  was  the 
presiding  elder  of  the  district,  and  Rev.  J.  Edwards  and 
Kev.  R.  E.  Morrison  were  the  circuit  preachers.  These 
three  kindly  took  supervision  of  my  matters  ;  and  sustained 
and  directed  by  them,  I  commenced  my  ministerial  life." 

Mr.  Inskip's  license  bears  date  of  May  23,  1835,  and  is 
signed  by  J.  Potts,  presiding  elder,  and  S.  Ayars,  secretary. 

No  sooner  had  our  young  exhorter  received  license  to 
preach,  than  a  field  of  labor  was  opened  to  him,  which  he 
eagerly  embraced  as  from  the  Lord.  It  was  the  common 
custom,  in  those  times,  for  young  preachers  to  travel  for  one 
year,  at  least,  under  the  presiding  elder.  Before  being 
formally  introduced  to  his  circuit  work,  and  before  his  "  fit- 
out"  was  secured,  he  attended  a  quarterly  meeting  at  a 
place  called  Coventry,  of  which  he  gives  the  following 
amusing  account :  — 

"Brother  William  Elliot,  as  a  special  friend,  proposed  to 
accompany  me  to  the  quarterly  meeting.  We  had  an  event- 
ful journey,  the  most  romantic  part  of  which  was  a  novel 
mode  of  travel,  to  which  the  exigencies  of  the  case  reduced 
us.  It  must  be  remembered  this  trip  was  taken  before  we 
were  regularly  'fitted  out"  for  the  itinerancy.  We  bor- 
rowed a  horse  in  one  place,  and  a  'gig'  in  another.  The 
'  gig '  was  ancient,  and  the  horse  was  '  balky.'  But  we 
went  along  quite  comfortably,  and  employed  our  time  in 
talking  of  the  kingdom  of  God  in  us,  and  singing  the  songs 
of  Zion.  We  were,  indeed,  having  a  delightful  time,  when 
at  the  foot  of  a  long  hill,  the  horse  stood  still,  sullenly  still. 
A  gentle  reminder  that  we  had  not  yet  reached  our  '  stop- 
ping place,'  seemed  to  make  no  impression  whatever,  except 
to  induce  the  horse  to  go  first  on  one  side  of  the  road,  and 
then  to  the  other,  with  a  general  inclination  to  go  back- 
wards. This  suggested  the  idea  of  'backing  up'  the  hill. 
So  we,  practicing  a  little  guile,  made  an  impression  that  we 


36 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


wanted  the  horse  to  go  the  other  way.  In  attempting  this 
stroke  of  policy,  we  succeeded  in  doing  two  things.  We 
got  up  the  hill,  and  cured  the  horse  of  all  propensity  to 
'back.'  Horses,  like  men,  may  sometimes  'be  filled  with 
their  own  ways.'  At  any  rate,  this  horse  didn't  want  to 
back  up  hill  any  more. 

"  On  arriving  at  the  quarterly  meeting,  I  was  surprised  and 
almost  overwhelmed,  to  be  invited  and  urged  to  preach.  I 
can't  remember  the  text.  It  was,  however,  a  wild  time. 
The  preacher  was  scared,  really  scared  out  of  all  command 
of  his  thoughts  or  feelings.  The  people  looked  on  with 
wonder,  and  throughout  the  service  there  was  a  decidedly 
good  state  of  feeling.  But  the  preacher  sat  down,  amid  the 
shouts  and  tears  of  the  people,  completely  exhausted,  and 
was  about  as  much  alarmed  as  a  'runaway  horse.'  It  was 
the  most  desperate  'double  quick'  movement  I  ever  made. 
My  utterance  was  rapid,  and  from  the  beginning  to  the  end 
of  that  thirty-five  minutes'  operation,  I  rushed  ahead  with  a 
speed  which  startles  me  even  at  this  remote  period  I  am 
amazed  that  I  did  not  break  down  before  I  fully  started  on 
my  career.  In  regard  to  this  rapid,  rushiug  movement,  I 
had  a  few  bad  examples,  which  may  have  had  some  influence 
upon  me.  But  I  attribute  the  whole  to  the  fact  that  I  was 
frightened.  It  was  an  unfortunate  habit,  which  liugered 
with  me  for  years,  but  I  was  finally  relieved  of  it  entirely, 
by  the  good  counsel  and  kind  co-operation  of  a  local 
preacher." 

There  was  needed,  on  the  Springfield  Circuit,  Philadel- 
phia Conference,  a  third  preacher.  "  The  circuit,"  he  tells 
us,  "was  located  mainly  in  Chester  County,  but  included 
portions  of  the  counties  of  Lancaster  and  Berks."  He 
was  tendered  the  position,  and  ordered  to  report  for  duty  to 
the  preacher  in  charge,  Bev.  Win.  Torbert,  who  resided  at 
Springfield,  the  leading  village  on  the  circuit.    "  My  good 


THE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 


37 


mother,  with  characteristic  anxiety,  inquired  of  the  elder : 
'Where  will  my  son  board  ?  '  He  good-naturedly  replied  : 
'Among  the  people.'  I  was  accordingly  supplied  with  a 
good  horse  and  all  the  needed  equipments,  prominent  among 
which  were  a  good  pair  of  '  saddle  bags '  and  a  set  of 
'  overalls.'  The  morning  I  left  home  was  an  eventful  one.^ 
As  I  mounted  my  good  steed,  and  everything  was  properly 
arranged  for  starting,  a  thrill  of  holy  joy  came  in  upon  my 
soul,  which  has  never  since  entirely  departed.  I  felt  fully 
assured  T  was  thus  answering  to  the  call  of  God.  My 
redeemed  father  stood  by  my  side,  and  as  I  paused  a  mo- 
ment to  adjust  my  equipments,  with  tearful  eye  he  looked 
up,  and  taking  me  by  the  hand,  with  great  emotion  ex- 
claimed :  '  God  bless  you,  my  son ! '  The  mother  and 
sisters  had  given  me  their  parting  blessing,  and  as  I  broko 
away,  my  weeping  father  waved  another  'good-by.'  The 
neighbors  were  at  hand,  and  all  seemed  to  participate  in  the 
excitement  and  interest  of  the  occasion.  As  I  moved  on 
my  way,  and  the  distance  between  me  and  home  increased, 
I  became  sober  and  thoughtful,  but  not  sad  or  despondent. 
What  visions  of  the  unknown  future  came  into  my  mind,  I 
cannot  tell.  I  only  remember  that  my  heart  and  mind 
were  filled  with  the  idea  that  at  last  I  had  become  an 
itinerant  preacher,  and  henceforth  would  be  a  homeless 
sojourner  in  this  vale  of  tears.  There  was  an  inspiration 
and  enthusiasm  awakened  within  me  that  made  my  heart 
beat  with  hallowing  emotions.  A  consciousness  of  complete 
and  eternal  dedication  to  the  work  of  God,  lifted  me  above 
all  fear  and  care.  I  was  peaceful  and  triumphant  as  I  rode 
along,  and  could  truthfully  say  :  — 

"  '  His  only  righteousness  I  show, 
His  saving  truth  proclaim; 
"lis  all  my  business  here  below, 
To  cry  —  behold  the  Lamb  I 


38 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Happy  if  with  my  latest  breath 

I  may  but  gasp  His  name, 
Preach  Him  to  all,  and  cry  in  death, 

Behold!  behold  the  Lamb!'  " 

Eev.  Wm.  Torbert  was  preacher-in-charge.  Rev.  Allen 
John  was  the  "junior,"  and  our  young  itinerant  the 
"  supply." 

The  preacher  in  charge  of  the  new  circuit,  was  a  man  in 
advanced  life  ;  the  "  junior  "  was  a  young  man  ;  and  though 
slow  of  speech,  it  seems  that  he  and  the  "  supply  "  affili- 
ated finely,  and  worked  harmoniously.  Their  first  extra 
"three-days  meeting"  was  held  by  the  young  men  at 
Churchtown,  a  very  wicked  village,  where  very  strong 
prejudices  existed  against  the  Methodists.  There  being  no 
church  or  other  proper  place  for  holding  such  a  meeting, 
they  were  offered  a  lar^e  room  in  the  "  tavern,"  which  they 
gladly  accepted.  The  landlord  was  kind  and  attentive,  and 
offered  them  every  reasonable  facility.  The  bar-room 
patrons  were  notified  that  there  was  a  "  meeting "  in  the 
house,  and  that  if  they  cared  to  do  so,  they  could  attend. 
All  concerned,  it  seems,  acted  in  good  faith,  and  the  ser- 
vices proceeded  with  the  utmost  decorum.  At  each  service 
seekers  were  invited  to  an  altar  extemporized  for  the 
purpose.  A  goodly  number  were  converted.  Mr.  Inskip 
gives  an  account  of  the  closing  services:  — 

"We  had  a  glorious  love-feast  on  Sunday  morning,  and 
preaching  throughout  the  day.  The  culmination  of  things 
was  reached  at  night.  The  'ball-room'  was  packed,  yes, 
we  may  truly  say,  packed  with  people.  Sinners  came  to 
the  altar  seeking  God.  Among  the  rest  was  the  daughter 
of  an  elderly  widow  lady.  The  intelligence  was  soon  con- 
veyed to  the  mother  that  her  daughter  had  gone  forward  for 
prayers.  In  the  wildest  manner  possible  she  rushed  out  of 
her  house,  and  ran  through  the  street  and  passed  into  the 


THE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 


39 


'  ball-room,'  frantically  crying  out,  '  I  want  my  daughter ! 
give  me  my  daughter!'  &c.  I  endeavored  to  quiet  her,  but 
it  was  a  vain  endeavor,  and  gesticulating  in  the  most  violent 
manner  she  added,  '  I  will  have  my  daughter !  she  is  my 
daughter,  and  I  will  have  her ! '  She  proceeded  to  carry  her 
threat  into  execution.  By  a  sudden  inspiration  we  saw  our 
opportunity,  and  directed  one  of  the  brethren  to  lock  the 
(ioor.  This  done,  we  appealed  to  all  present  to  pray  for 
this  misguided  woman.  All  knelt  and  cried  mightily  to 
God  in  her  behalf.  She  stood  a  few  moments,  and  seemed 
stricken  with  terror.  She  made  her  way  to  the  door  and 
endeavored  to  get  out,  but  could  not.  The  people  kept  on 
praying  for  her,  and  some  made  the  most  startling  appeals 
to  her  concerning  her  wickedness  and  peril.  She  again 
made  the  effort  to  get  out  of  the  room,  and  cried  out  at  the 
top  of  her  voice,  '  Let  me  out !  let  me  out !  I  don't  want  my 
daughter  !  let  me  out ! '  The  door  was  unlocked  and  she 
hurried  home.    The  daughter  remained  and  was  saved." 

Cm  one  part  of  the  circuit  but  few  of  the  people  could 
speak  English.  They  very  generally  spoke  German,  or,  as 
it  was  called,  Pennsylvania  Dutch.    Mr.  Inskip  says  :  — 

"  In  one  instance  a  clerical  friend  suggested  to  me  that  I 
ought  to  learn  the  German  language.  He  averred  that  it 
was  full  of  thunder  and  lightning.  Enamored  with  his  de- 
scription, I  procured  a  grammar,  and  commenced  the  study 
of  the  German.  Another  literary  friend,  happening  t<j 
notice  what  I  was  doing,  said,  jokingly,  '  That  will  be  of  no 
use  to  you.  The  people  hereabouts  use  Pennsylvania 
Dutch,  and  all  you  need  to  do  to  learn  that  is  simply  to  put 
a  hot  potato  in  your  mouth,  and  try  to  talk  English.'  It 
was  a  mistake  to  perpetrate  such  a  joke,  for  it  was  attended 
by  consequences  which  I  now  deeply  regret.  I  abandoned 
the  study  of  that  language,  missed  my  opportunity,  and  it 
has  never  returned." 


40 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  a.  INSE1P. 


At  Morgantown,  a  very  pleasant  appointment  on  the  cir- 
cuit, they  had  great  success.  "  The  work  of  God,"  he  says, 
"  broke  out  wondrously.  We  had  some  truly  awful  seasons 
of  awakening  and  converting  power."  "  Preachers  then  went 
into  the  pulpit  burdened  with  a  message  concerning  the 
doom  of  the  wicked,  and  the  judgment  of  the  great  day, 
and  spoke  to  the  people  in  a  language  which  seemed  like  a 
'fiery  blast.'  We  were  fully  persuaded  that  the  people 
would  be  forever  damned,  if  they  did  not  get  converted. 
In  one  instance,  I  remember  to  have  portrayed  the  fearful 
depths  of  woe,  and  a  young  man,  prominent,  and  well-known, 
arose,  and  hurried  out  of  the  congregation.  I  called  out  to 
him  as  he  left,  '  Stop,  sinner,  the  worst  is  over,  wait  and 
hear  the  balance  of  our  story.'  He  simply  replied,  '  I'll  see 
you  again.'  I  proceeded,  and  finished  my  discourse.  In 
the  prayer-meeting  that  followed,  there  was  a  time  long  to 
be  remembered.  A  large  number  were  converted.  At  the 
close  of  the  services,  our  friend,  who  had  left  in  a  pet,  re- 
turned in  a  rage.  Rushing  toward  me,  and  shaking  his  fist 
nearer  to  my  face  than  was  agreeable  or  becoming,  he  wrath- 
f ully  inquired,  1  What  business  had  you  to  insult  me  ? '  I 
mildly  answered,  'You,  dear  sir,  are  mistaken.  No  insult 
has  been  given  to  you.'  '  Yes,'  he  cried,  '  there  has.  You 
menaced  me,  and  called  me  a  sinner.'  I  responded,  'There 
was  no  insult  designed.  You  have  insulted  us,  and  insulted 
God's  house.  But  get  down  on  your  knees,  and  we  will 
pray  for  you."  The  people,  with  great  unanimity  and 
earnestness,  joined  in  prayer,  and  implored  Divine  mercy 
and  forgiveness.  The  poor  fellow  stood  his  ground  but  a 
few  moments,  and  fled.  He  could  not  endure  to  be  prayed  for 
any  more  than  he  could  bear  to  be  called  a  sinner.  His  as- 
sociates laughed  at  him,  and  he  never  had  courage  to  look 
me  in  the  face  again.  The  work  went  forward,  and  in  the 
midst  of  much  opposition,  the  truth  triumphed,  and  God 
was  glorified." 


THE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 


41 


In  this  manner  the  work  went  on  during  the  year.  A 
large  number  were  converted  in  different  parts  of  the  cir- 
cuit, and  at  the  close  of  the  year  he  received  a  recommen- 
dation for  admission  into  the  "regular  work."  This  recom- 
mendation was  given  by  both  the  Springfield  and  Radnor 
Circuits. 

The  conference  met  that  year  in  Philadelphia.  He  was 
duly  admitted  to  the  conference  on  trial,  and  was  appointed 
to  Cecil  Circuit,  with  Rev.  Edward  Kennard,  preacher  in 
charge.  Like  all  young  preachers,  he  had  a  most  profound 
interest  in  the  reading  of  the  appointments. 

"When  the  bishop  'read  out' the  appointments  on  the 
occasion  referred  to,  of  the  two  hundred  preachers  who  re- 
ceived them,  except  the  presiding  elders,  who  had  aided  in 
making  them,  scarcely  a  man  had  even  an  'inkling'  of 
where  he  was  to  be  sent.  There  had  been  no  previous  4  ne- 
gotiations '  between  the  preacher  and  the  people.  A  week 
and  more  they  had  waited  and  prayed  that  God  might  direct 
in  their  appointments,  and  when  they  were  announced,  with 
tearful  eye  and  trembling  heart,  they  received  them  as  from 
the  Lord.  There  was  a  huge  crowd  present  that  night,  and 
everybody  seemed  to  partake  of  the  interest  of  the  hour. 
The  bishop  had  proceeded  a  long  distance  in  '  reading  oui,' 
when  he  said,  '  Cecil,  Edward  Kennard,  John  S.  Inskip.' 
How  much  I  was  startled  I  cannot  tell.  I  was  in  the  midst 
of  my  amazement,  endeavoring  to  realize  my  situation,  when 
a  brother  of  benign  countenance,  with  characteristic  frank- 
ness and  warmth,  grasped  my  hand,  and  said,  'Brother 
John,  it  seems  you  and  I  are  to  be  colleagues  this  confer- 
ence year.'  It  was  Brother  Kennard,  as  honest  and  true 
and  devoted  a  man  as  I  have  ever  met." 

Cecil  Circuit  was  considered,  at  that  time,  a  small  circuit, 
including  New  Castle,  Newark,  Newport,  Christiana,  Salem, 
Flint  Hill,  Gliff's,  Cherry  Hill,  and  Union.    There  was  no 


42 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


home  prepared  for  the  young  preacher,  and  the  stewards 
had  no  money  with  which  to  provide  one.  The  whole  cir- 
cuit was  a  home,  and  the  preacher's  home  was  wherever 
night  overtook  him. 

Mr.  Inskip  was  not  the  man  to  continue  long  in  this  mode 
of  life.  He  sighed  for  a  home,  and  for  a  partner  who 
should  share  his  joys  and  his  trials.  It  happened  that  the 
General  Conference,  about  this  time,  removed  the  restrictions 
upon  young  preachers  getting  married  until  they  had 
travelled  for  a  certain  number  of  years.  As  no  one  can  tell 
the  story  as  well  as  Mr.  Inskip,  we  shall  allow  him  to  relate 
the  circumstances  of  his  marriage.  It  was  an  event  which 
had  much  to  do  with  his  happiness  and  usefulness,  and  one 
to  which  he  often  referred  with  manifest  delight.  In  fact, 
no  one  could  be  in  his  company  very  long  without  being 
convinced  that  he  was  supremely  satisfied. 

In  describing  this  important  event,  he  says :  — 
"  Father  Ryder  called  my  attention  to  this  fact,  and 
facetiously  observed,  '  John,  you  can  hunt  a  colleague  when- 
ever you  wish.'  True,  he  did  not  use  exactly  these  words. 
He  really  said,  'you  can  get  married  when  you  wish.'  I 
think  the  good  old  man  supposed  he  was  conveying  some 
information  I  had  not  in  possession.  But  he  was  mistaken, 
for  a  fact  in  which  I  was  so  deeply  interested,  could  not 
very  well  have  occurred  without  coming  to  my  notice  before 
he  named  it.  In  the  conversation  that  ensued,  the  veteran 
took  occasion  to  say,  '  I  advise  all  young  ministers  to  get 
married.'  I  understood  the  remark  to  be  directed  to  me, 
and  considered,  and  afterwards  interpreted  it  to  be  the 
advice  I  was  directed  by  the  Discipline  to  seek  of  the  '  older 
brethren.'  Nor  was  this  the  only  case  that  happened  that 
year.  But  the  others  did  not  interest  me  as  much  as  my 
own. 

"  I  have  ever  been  a  firm  believer  in  the  sentiment,  that 


TEE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 


43 


there's  a  Divinity  above  who  shapes  our  destiny,  and  directs 
our  steps.  'Matches  are  made  in  heaven,'  was  a  motto  in 
use  formerly,  and  perhaps  was  more  true  then  than  it  is 
now.  I  fully  believed  it  at  the  time,  and  as  it  appertained 
to  myself,  I  have  never  since  doubted  it  for  one  moment. 
In  carrying  out  the  Divine  purpose,  in  matters  of  this  sort, 
suitable  and  appropriate  agencies  are  used.  These,  in  this 
case,  were  all  at  hand.  First  of  all  there  must  needs  be 
the  two  susceptible  parties.  They  were  there.  Then  there 
needed  also  a  third  party,  to  make  the  necessary  introduc- 
tion to  each  other,  of  those  most  interested.  This  part  of 
the  service  was  well  performed,  by  a  ministerial  friend,  Rev. 
P.  Coombe,  to  whom  I  have  been  under  obligations  ever 
since.  Forty  years'  experience  has  confirmed  the  convic- 
tions produced  '  on  sight'  As  soon  as  it  was  proper  I 
communicated  to  the  young  lady,  who  was  the  '  party  of 
the  other  part,'  my  serious  intentions  in  regard  to  a  change 
of  relation  in  life.  After  due,  but  not  tardy  consideration, 
she  returned  a  favorable  response  to  my  proposition,  and, 
according  to  'the  laws  of  the  commonwealth,'  and  the 
usages  of  the  church,  we  were  joined  in  the  fellowship  of 
true  wedlock,  Nov.  1,  1836.  The  step  was  approved  by 
most  of  the  brethren,  but  not  by  all.  It  was  difficult  to 
submit  to  the  new  order  of  things,  and  there  was  quite  a 
breeze  at  conference  over  the  matter.  One  of  the  brethren 
asked  the  question,  'Did  you  confer  with  the  brethren  ? ' 
I  responded  in  the  affirmative.  In  a  discontented  tone  of 
voice  an  old  veteran  said,  'Yes,  I  suppose  you  did,  with 
George  Hagany,  a  boy,  like  yourself.'  There  was  consider- 
able of  merriment  over  the  affair ;  but,  notwithstanding  a 
few  murmured,  I  came  out  of  the  contest  grandly  and  con- 
sciously victorious.  It  was  about  this  time  that  Rev. 
George  Wiltshire  made  his  celebrated  speech  before  the 
conference  in  regard  to   another  young  man,  who  had 


44 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


offended  iD  like  manner  with  myself ;  that  is,  he  had  married 
the  first  year  of  his  ministry.  Bro.  Wiltshire  was  an  old 
bachelor.  As  the  question  of  the  young  man's  continuance 
on  trial  was  pending,  and  after  much  animated  speaking, 
'  pro  and  con,'  he  arose,  and  as  usual  when  he  attempted  to 
speak,  the  eye  of  the  whole  conference  was  upon  him.  He 
said :  '  Mr.  President,  I  think,  sir,  the  young  man  did 
exactly  right,  sir.  He  has  only,  sir,  done  that  for  which  he 
has  the  warrant  of  our  articles  of  religion,  and  the  Word  of 
God.  I  think,  sir,  that  he  is  to  be  commended,  not  cen- 
sured, for  what  he  has  done.  Why,  sir,  what  is  a  man 
without  a  wife  ?  I  say,  he's  no  man  at  all,  sir.  I  declare, 
I  often  wish  there  was  but  one  single  man  in  the  confer- 
ence, and  that's  myself,  and  God  knows,  sir,  I  often  wish 
I  was  not  single.'  By  this  time  the  conference  was  in  an 
uproar  of  laughter,  and  without  a  dissenting  vote,  the  young 
man  was  continued.  Thus  ended  and  passed  away  the 
period  of  discriminating  in  favor  of  unmarried  men  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  There  may  be  a  few  exceptional  cases, 
but  I  incline  to  the  opinion  of  Brother  Wiltshire,  and 
think  marriage  is  an  important,  if  not  an  essential  qualifi- 
cation for  the  ministerial  office.  I  recommend  to  all  young 
ministers  in  this  matter  to  do  as  I  did." 

The  bride  was  Miss  Martha  J.  Foster,  of  Cecil  County, 
Md.  She  was  one  of  a  family  of  twelve  children.  Three 
died  in  infancy,  and  of  the  other  nine,  seven,  with  the 
parents,  have  been  called  to  their  reward.  A  brother,  F. 
A.  Foster,  and  Mrs.  Inskip,  are  all  that  remain.  Mrs. 
Inskip  was  converted  in  her  tenth  year  at  a  camp-meeting 
near  Elkton,  Md.  She  immediately  united  with  the  M.  E. 
Church,  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  Wm.  Cooper,  still  a 
member  of  the  Philadelphia  Conference,  and  has  remained 
an  active  member  to  this  day.  She  was  but  seventeen 
years  of  age  when  she  became  the  wife  of  John  S.  Inskip. 


THE  YOUNG  CIRCUIT  RIDER. 


45 


He  was  accustomed  to  say  that  to  her,  under  God,  more 
than  to  any  one  else,  he  owed  his  ministerial  success,  as  well 
as  his  domestic  bliss.  Never  were  two  hearts  more  closely 
united,  and  never  did  two  labor  more  harmoniously  in  the 
cause  of  God.  He  was  ever  unhappy  in  her  absence,  and 
ever  fully  satisfied  and  contented  when  she  was  present. 
His  journals  abound  with  references  to  his  "  blue  days  "  in 
the  absence  of  his  wife. 

Hereafter  the  two  must  be  considered  as  a  unit.  The 
life  of  the  one  is  the  life  of  the  other,  and  their  labors  and 
successes  must  be  regarded  as  inseparable. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


FROM  THE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  OITT. 

Mr.  Inskip  remained  but  one  year  on  the  Cecil  Circuit. 
The  following  year,  1837,  he  was  appointed  to  Nottingham 
Circuit,  with  Rev.  Samuel  Grace,  preacher  in  charge,  of 
whom  he  speaks  as  a  man  of  "  most  marvellous  success." 
"  There  was  nothing  in  his  manner,  personal  appearance,  or 
preaching,  which  would  seem  likely  to  influence  people. 
But  somehow,  wherever  he  went,  and  often  in  places  long 
known  as  unproductive  fields,  he  was  favored  with  revivals 
of  religion." 

The  success  which  attended  their  labors  on  this  circuit  is 
described  as  very  great.  "  Seasons  of  refreshing  were  en- 
joyed at  every  appointment,  resulting  in  the  conversion,  in 
all,  of  more  than  three  hundred  souls."  Mr.  Grace,  being  a 
bachelor,  and  the  "junior"  married,  the  latter  occupied  the 
parsonage  —  a  farm-house,  large  enough  to  have  accommo- 
dated twenty  persons.  The  farm  contained  about  seventy 
acres,  with  a  large  orchard,  a  convenient  barn,  and  plenty 
of  wood,  to  be  had  for  the  labor  of  cutting  it,  all  for  a  rent 
of  thirty  dollars.  He  represents  that  they  "  lived  in  won- 
derful abundance."  The  salary  was  not  large,  but  their 
"wauts  were  more  than  supplied." 

He  describes  an  old-time  quarterly  meeting,  held  on  this 
circuit,  thus :  "We  had  a  quarterly  meeting  in  the  neigh- 
borhood.   This  was  something  more  than  an  occasion  for 

46 


FROM  THE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  CITY. 


47 


the  presiding  elder  to  call  together  a  corporal's  guard  of 
official  members,  and  ask,  '  are  there  any  complaints  or  ap- 
peals ?  Are  there  any>  applications  for  license  to  preach  ? ' 
&c,  &c.  It  was  a  great  event  on  a  circuit  to  have  such  a 
preacher  as  David  Dailey,  the  presiding  elder,  make  a  visit, 
and  preach  Saturday,  and  Sunday  morning,  hold  a  love-feast, 
and  hear  the  other  preachers  Saturday,  and  Sunday  night,  so 
that  he  could  tell,  from  personal  knowledge,  whether  they 
were  the  '  right  men  in  the  right  place.'  A  quarterly  meet- 
ing was  an  occurrence  talked  of  and  looked  forward  to  with 
interest  over  all  the  circuit.  The  leading  and  zealous  men 
and  women  from  all  the  appointments  attended.  There 
were  very  few  large  houses,  but  any  quantity  of  large 
hearts.  Where  the  people  and  their  teams  could  be  accommo- 
dated, was  truly  a  marvel.  In  this  instance,  at  the  parson- 
age, a  '  field  bed '  was  prepared  in  each  room,  and  over  a 
score  of  people  were  well  cared  for,  and  comfortably  enter- 
tained. A  field  bed  means  a  lot  of  good  clean  straw  put 
down  on  the  floor,  extending  the  entire  length  of  the  room, 
and  properly  secured  in  form  and  position  by  such  covering 
as  could  be  obtained  Large  numbers  could  thus  be  com- 
fortably accommodated.  In  this  instance,  however,  there 
was  not  much  use  for  beds.  Some  were  wonderfully  blest 
at  the  meeting,  and  after  our  return  home,  most  of  the 
night  was  spent  in  songs  and  shouts  of  victory. 

"  There  are  some  folks  we  know  who  would  travel  a  thou- 
sand miles  to  get  to  another  such  a  quarterly  meeting.  The 
preaching,  the  quarterly  conference  on  Saturday  afternoon, 
the  Saturday  night,  the  great  crowd  on  Sunday,  the  hurry 
to  get  to  the  love-feast  before  the  '  doors  were  closed,'  the 
shouts  of  victory,  the  mighty  effort  of  the  elder  in  the 
morning  sermon,  and  the  baptism  that  continued  all  the 
day,  as  they  now  come  up  in  my  menory,  lead  me  to  wish  I 
could  be  there  once  more.    Thank  God  I  was  there  then." 


48 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


The  conference  of  1833,  met  in  Wilmington,  Del.,  when 
Mr.  Inskip  was  ordained  deacon,  by  Bishop  Waugh,  and  re- 
turned to  the  Nottingham  Circuit,  with  Mr.  Grace.  Large 
accessions  were  made  to  the  church  this  year,  but  nothing 
of  special  note  has  been  left  or  recorded,  except,  that  during 
the  two  years  on  that  circuit,  more  than  five  hundred  souls 
were  converted. 

In  1839,  he  was  appointed  preacher  in  charge  at  Easton 
Pa.  Of  his  work  here,  he  says  :  "This  being  my  first  ex- 
perience as  preacher  in  charge,  I  felt  some  embarrassment, 
but  the  Lord  helped  me,  and  the  brethren  were  very  kind." 
It  was  this  year  that  Mr.  Inskip  suffered  from  an  attack  of 
small-pox,  which  well  nigh  ended  his  mortal  life.  But 
through  the  mercy  of  God  he  recovered.  Mrs.  Inskip  suf- 
tered  from  the  same  terrible  disease. 

In  1840  the  Conference  was  held  in  Philadelphia,  where 
he  was  ordained  elder,  by  Bishop  Waugh,  and  was  returned 
to  Easton  Circuit.  During  his  stay  in  this  charge,  more 
than  one  hundred  souls  were  converted. 

In  1841,  he  was  appointed  to  the  Western  Church,  city  of 
Philadelphia.  Here  he  found  a  hard  field,  and  judging  from 
his  own  account,  not  a  very  successful  pastorate.  Mrs.  In- 
skip being  ill  most  of  the  year,  was  quite  sufficient  to 
cause  him  great  anxiety  and  sorrow.  Owing  to  Mrs.  Inskip's 
impaired  health,  he  asked  to  be  removed,  at  the  end  of  the 
year,  and  requested  that  he  might  have  a  country  appoint- 
ment, with  a  view  to  benefiting  his  wife's  health. 

In  1842  and  1843,  he  was  stationed  in  Kensington,  then 
a  suburban  appointment.  Here  he  had  extraordinary  suc- 
cess, witnessing  the  conversion  of  more  than  three  hundred 
souls.  He  frequently  preached  three  times  in  the  church 
on  the  Sabbath,  and  once  in  the  open  air,  besides  holding 
services  of  some  kind  almost  every  evening  in  the  week. 
The  religious  interest  was  very  deep  ;  whole  families  were 


FROM  THE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  CITY. 


49 


converted,  and  the  church  was  crowded  —  multitudes  some- 
times going  away  unable  to  gain  admittance.  In  1844,  his 
appointment  was  Salem,  in  the  west  jrn  part  of  Philadelphia. 
He  remained  in  this  charge  but  one  year.  His  success  was 
not  as  great  as  it  had  been  in  his  former  charge. 

It  was  duriug  this  year  that  the  agitation  of  the  slavery 
question,  in  which  he,  in  subsequent  years,  took  so  promi- 
nent a  part,  first  occupied  his  thought.  He  seems  not  to 
have  been  very  strong  in  his  opposition  to  the  system  at 
this  time.  On  the  twenty-ninth  of  April  he  says,  "  I  spent 
a  half  hour  at  the  Baptist  Triennial  Convention.  Great 
excitement  on  the  subject  of  slavery.  This,  it  seems  to  me, 
is  more  a  question  of  civil  polity  than  of  theology  or 
morality.  It  is  true  that  all  political  questions  have  a 
connection,  more  or  less  direct,  with  both  morality  and  re- 
ligion. And  yet  because  of  their  decided  political  and  civil 
character  and  bearing,  they  should  never  be  discussed  by 
the  church  as  questions  of  ecclesiastical  polity.  Conse- 
quently, I  have  always  felt  averse  to  the  discussion  of 
slavery  by  ecclesiastical  bodies.  Yet,  since  it  has  been 
admitted  into  the  various  assemblies  of  the  church,  it 
appears  to  me  that  discussion  must  be  the  result.  At  our 
General  Conference,  I  seriously  fear  that  the  agitation  of 
this  subject  will  end  in  disastrous  consequences.  May  the 
Lord  over-rule  all  for  good." 

These  would  be  regarded  as  moderate  views  on  the  slavery 
question,  and  present  a  marked  contrast  with  his  attitude 
on  the  subject  during  its  subsequent  agitation. 

It  was  during  the  month  of  May  of  this  year,  that  the 
Catholics  and  Protestants  of  Philadelphia  had  their  bloody 
altercation.  The  Catholics  had  managed  to  secure  the 
expulsion  of  the  Bible  from  the  public  schools.  This 
sacrilegious  act  had  aroused  the  Protestant  portion  of  the 
citizens.    Meetings  were  called  to  protest  against  it,  and 


50 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


exciting  speeches  were  made.  The  first  meeting  held  was 
in  Mr.  Inskip's  church,  which  seems  to  have  early  drawn 
him  into  the  strife.  He  entered  into  the  matter  with  all 
the  ardor  of  his  impetuous  nature,  and,  as  might  be  ex- 
pected, became  very  greatly  excited.  "  We  have  had,"  he 
says,  "an  awful  week  (May  11).  In  the  disturbance  be- 
tween the  Protestants  and  Roman  Catholics,  fourteen  of 
the  former  were  killed,  and  nearly  forty  were  wounded 
The  excitement  has  been  fearful.  The  city  is  now  under 
martial  law.  The  Roman  Catholic  churches  are  all  guarded 
by  the  military,  and  a  large  body  of  volunteer  police  con- 
stantly patrol  the  streets  at  night.  There  most  certainly 
will  be  another  outbreak  before  long.  Vengeance  is  not  yet 
fully  satisfied.  The  amount  of  property  destroyed  by  the 
mob  will  amount  to  $150,000,  an  1  may  run  up  to  $200,000, 
including  churches  and  private  property.  But  how,  when, 
and  where,  this  matter  will  end,  God  alone  knows.  Oh, 
may  He  guide  and  bless  us  ! "  It  seems  that  there  was  no 
farther  outbreak,  though  the  excitement  continued  for"  some 
time.  About  this  time  he  speaks  of  his  own  inner  life 
thus : — 

"Remained  in  the  house  all  day.    Felt  very  gloomy.' 
This  doubtless  is  my  own  fault.    I  do  not  take  sufficient 
interest,  nor  act  with  due  promptness,  in  the  discharge  of 
my  private  duties.    May  the  Lord  help  me  to  love  Him 
more,  then  I  shall  be  able  to  serve  Him  better." 

Again  he  says,  "  Had  I  more  of  the  peace  of  God  in  my 
heart,  the  turbulence  of  feeling  which  I  greatly  deplore, 
would  cease.  Oh,  that  I  could  but  see  this  and  act  accord- 
ingly !  May  the  Lord  help  me."  "  I  want,"  he  says  again, 
"to  feel  more  and  more  of  the  spirit  of  the  work  in  which  I 
am  engaged.  My  mind  and  heart  continue  to  feel  the  bad 
effects  of  excitement." 

The  General  Conference  then  in  session  in  New  York, 


FROM  THE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  CITY. 


51 


was  one  of  the  most  exciting,  as  well  as  the  most  important, 
ever  held  by  the  M.  E.  Church.  The  news  from  that  body, 
and  the  probable  rupture  of  the  church,  were  matters  to 
which  almost  daily  reference  is  made  in  his  journals.  The 
rupture  in  the  church  which  he  is  sure  will  come,  "  would 
never  have  come  upon  us,"  he  says,  "  had  not  abolition 
arisen  among  us."  This,  with  the  bloody  conflict  between 
the  Papists  and  Protestants  of  Philadelphia,  would  naturally 
have  a  tendency  to  keep  such  a  mind  as  Mr.  Inskip's  in  a 
state  of  intense  excitement.  He  entered  his  pulpit  full  of 
the  subject,  and  preached  on  the  state  of  the  country  and 
the  church  from  Rev.  xii.  12  :  "  The  devil  has  come  down 
in  great  wrath,"  &c,  —  and  wonders  what  the  end  will  be. 
He  is  almost  sure  that  church  and  state  are  to  become 
chaotic.  "  The  press,"  he  says,  "  is  teeming  with  exciting 
intelligence  from  all  quarters.  This,  verily,  is  the  age  of 
excitement.  And  what  the  consequences  of  this  state  of 
things  will  be,  no  one  can  divine." 

This  excitement  he  regards  as  detrimental  to  his  piety. 
He  says  :  "  The  undue  excitement  to  which  I  have  been 
subjected  for  near  three  months,  has  resulted  in  conse- 
quences not  so  pleasant.  I  am  completely  jaded  out.  I 
need  some  rest  of  mind  —  some  days  of  undisturbed  tran- 
quility. This,  however,  cannot  easily  be  found  by  one  of 
my  constituted  habits  in  the  midst  of  such  a  strife  as  now 
prevails  in  this  city.  Sometimes  I  am  ready  to  exclaim, 
£  Oh  for  a  lodge  in  some  vast  wilderness  ! '  And  yet  an 
abundance  of  Divine  peace  would  make  all  things  right. 
Indeed,  here,  perhaps,  lies  the  difficulty.  I  do  not  possess 
as  much  of  God's  love  as  it  is  my  privilege  to  enjoy. 
Circumstances  in  Philadelphia  suggest  a  forcible  objection 
to  the  sentiments  of  Selkirk,  who,  in  the  solitude  and  lone- 
liness of  his  situation,  says, — 


52 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


" '  Better  dwell  in  the  midst  of  alarms, 
Than  reign  in  this  horrible  place.' 

"  I  think,  had  he  been  here  at  this  period  of  tumult,  he 
would  have  transposed  the  sentence,  and  entirely  changed 
the  sentiment." 

He  still  feels  the  need,  above  all  things,  of  a  revival  of 
the  work  of  the  Lord  in  his  own  soul.  "  The  responsibility 
of  my  station  requires  me  to  be  a  more  boly  and  a  more 
active  Christian."  This  state  of  things,  and  this  state  of 
mind,  fully  explain  the  absence  of  any  general  revival. 
"  My  mind,"  he  says,  "  for  some  time  past  has  been  com- 
pletely mastered  by  the  great  excitement  which  has  pre- 
vailed in  this  city.  This  has  had  no  beneficial  effect  upon 
my  religious  enjoyment.  Indeed,  I  fear  it  has  done  me, 
and  many  others,  considerable  injury." 

The  Millerite  excitement  had  troubled  the  churches  of 
Philadelphia,  and  some  had  been  led  into  great  extrava- 
gances. Mr.  Inskip  and  Rev.  Mr.  Hagany  visited  a  family 
of  deluded  ones.  "  In  consequence  of  a  conviction  that  the 
Lord  Jesus  would  soon  make  His  appearance,"  he  says,  "  the 
man  had  closed  his  store  and  placed  a  small  placard  on 
the  window-shutter,  with  this  inscription:  'This  store  is 
closed  until  tlie  coming  of  the  King  of  kings,  which  will 
take  place  on  the  twenty-third  of  October.'  We  did  not  find 
him  in.  His  wife,  however,  was  there,  and  a  more  distressed 
looking  object  I  have  not  seen.  Indeed,  she  looked  more  like 
a  maniac  than  anything  else.  Such  are  the  lamentable  con- 
sequences of  an  effort  to  '  be  wise  above  that  which  is 
written.'  This  man  had  been  a  most  excellent  member  of 
St.  George's  Church,  but  had  been  crazed  by  a  belief  in 
the  immediate  second  coming  of  the  Lord." 

Mrs.  Inskip,  being  sick,  accidentally  took  an  over-dose  of 
laudanum,  which  came  nigh  ending  her  mortal  life.    It  was 


iTROM  THE  COUNTRY  ^0  THE  CITY. 


53 


only  "after  hours  of  great  toil  and  anxiety,"  he  says,  "  that 
we  succeeded  in  rescuing  her  from  the  jaws  of  death." 
This  was  to  him  a  day  of  the  greatest  trouble  he  had  ever 
seen. 

As  the  year  drew  to  a  close,  as  is  common,  the  matter  of 
appointments  interested  him,  as  well  as  others.  He  became 
greatly  disgusted  at  the  course  pursued  by  some  preachers, 
in  regard  to  the  matter.  "  Many  are  inquiring,"  he  says, 
'  who  will  be  our  next  preacher  ? '  Among  the  preachers 
it  is  frequently  asked,  '  Where  do  you  expect  to  go  ? '  All, 
however,  seem  desirous  of  making  the  impression,  that  they 
are  seeking  Divine  direction.  But  in  matters  of  this  sort, 
I  fear  there  is  far  more  human  than  Divine  agency.  I  do 
most  sincerely  pray  that  God  may  deliver  us  all  from  selfish 
and  impure  motives,  that  in  all  things  we  may  seek  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  the  church.  But  it  is  an  easy 
matter  to  be  deceived.  My  own  heart,  likely,  is  as  full  of 
selfishness  as  any  other.    Oh,  for  a  clean  heart !  " 

'My  labors  at  Salem  will  soon  close,"  he  says,  "and  al- 
though I  have  been  very  unfaithful,  the  Lord  has  not  for- 
saken me.    Praise  His  name  ! " 

The  conference  for  1845  was  held  in  Milford,  commencing 
April  2,  and  closing  on  the  tenth.  Mr.  Inskip  received 
an  appointment  to  Germantown,  which  was  in  all  respects 
satisfactory  to  him. 

He  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  new  field  of  labor  with 
great  zeal  and  renewed  consecration.  Of  the  people  of  his 
npw  charge,  he  says  :  "  They  appear  so  frank  and  unpretend- 
ing in  their  manners,  that  I  think  we  shall  find  but  little 
difficulty  in  becoming  acquainted  with  them."  Mrs.  In- 
skip's  health,  which  had  been  very  poor,  was  materially 
improved,  and  a  door  of  usefulness  seemed  opened  to  them. 
Indeed,  he  finds  the  "  fields  white  for  the  harvest."  "  Dur- 
ing the  past  year,"  he  says,  "I  was  exceedingly  remiss  in 


54 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


pastoral  visitation.  But  I  sincerely  hope  and  pray  that 
while  here,  and  through  all  the  future  period  of  my  minis- 
terial labors,  I  will  be  more  dilligent  and  faithful.  Then,  I 
have  no  doubt,  I  will  be  more  useful." 

The  Presbyterian  and  Lutheran  ministers  called  upon 
him,  which  deeply  impressed  him  with  the  persuasion  thit 
in  that  place  the  watchmen  were  likely  to  see  "eye  to  p,yp." 

He  was  "tempted  to  believe  that  the  people  would  n<> 
appreciate  his  plain  manner;"  but  concludes,  "It  is,  per 
haps,  better  that  I  feel  a  little  dissatisfied,  than  be  much 
elated  with  my  pulpit  performances."  He  is  greatly  blessed, 
but  still  feels  his  need  of  a  pure  heart.  Speaking  of  a 
prayer-meeting,  he  says  :  "  Had  a  glorious  time.  I  enjoyed 
myself  more  than  I  have  done  at  any  time  since  my  appoint- 
ment  here  Oh,  how  good  the  Lord  is !  My  poor  heart  just 
now  overflows  with  gratitude  to  my  heavenly  Benefactor. 
But  there  are  roots  of  bitterness  remaining  within  me  that 
I  most  earnestly  wish  removed.  The  Lord  graut  me  a 
clean  heart,  and  renew  within  me  a  right  spirit.  I  pray  for 
a  'single  eye,'  that  my  whole  body  may  be  full  of  light." 

The  following  incident  was  related  to  him  by  a  very  godly  , 
Christian  lady :  "  Sister  Clay,  an  aged  and  devout  woman, 
related  to  me  the  following  interesting  and  forcible  incident: 
Her  husband  and  family  had  emigrated  to  this  country  from 
England,  and  left  her  at  home  until  they  might  judge  it 
proper  for  her  to  come  over.  For  two  years  she  earnestly 
sought  God's  direction  as  to  what  course  she  should  pursue. 
At  length  she  felt  fully  persuaded  that  it  was  the  will  of 
God  that  she  should  come  to  America.  She  accordingly 
prepared  for  the  voyage,  and  embarked  the  first  favorable 
opportunity.  After  they  had  been  some  weeks  at  sea,  ;i 
fearful  storm  arose,  which  split  the  mainmast  and  tore  the 
sails  into  ribbons.  In  the  midst  of  the  raging  elements, 
the  captain  passed  by  her,  apparently  in  great  agitation. 


FROM  THE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  CITY. 


55 


She  said  to  him, '  Captain,  this  is  a  great  storm :  but  still  I 
fear  not  the  consequences.'  He  replied,  '  Madam,  we  are  in 
great  danger.'  To  this  she  replied,  'No  matter,  for  the 
ship  will  not  sink.'  'Why  do  you  think  so,  madam?'  in- 
quired the  captain.  'Because,'  said  she,  '  my  heavenly 
Father  directed  me  to  go  to  America,  and  I  have  just  been 
praying  to  Him  to  save  us ;  and  I  know  that  no  ship  in 
which  I  sail  can  sink.'  She  advised  prayer.  Prayer  was 
offered,  and  to  the  astonishment  of  all,  in  fifteen  minutes 
the  storm  had  subsided,  and  after  a  little  delay,  they  were 
enabled  to  proceed  joyfully  on  their  way,  confident  that 
they  were  under  the  protection  of  Him  'who  rides  upon  the 
stormy 'skies,  and  calms  the  roaring  sea.' " 

It  was  a  common  experience  with  Mr.  Inskip  to  feel  great- 
ly depressed  in  spirit  over  sermons  which  he  had  preached. 
His  impulsive  nature  led  him,  when  greatly  excited,  to  utter 
words  which  his  more  deliberate  judgment  disapproved,  and 
even  •  greatly  regretted.  He  had  been  lamenting  the  low 
state  of  the  church,  and  became  greatly  moved  in  spirit. 
He  says :  "  Sunday,  June  15,  I  preached  in  the  morning 
at  Germantown,  from  2  Peter  i.  10,  11.  Said  some  plain, 
searching  things.  Felt  much  tempted  after  the  work  was 
done  — almost  wished  I  could  undo  some  parts  of  it."  The 
following  day  he  says :  "  Unusually  pressed  in  spirit  and 
tempted  in  reference  to  my  sermon  yesterday  morning  at 
Germantown.  Satan  has  been  busy  with  me  ever  since  I 
preached  it.  And  I  fear  he  has  succeeded,  in  a  measure, 
in  depriving  me  of  my  peace  and  confidence."  And  yet  he 
found,  as  others  have,  that  his  fears  were  groundless,  and 
that  God  blessed  the  word. 

On  Thursday  of  the  same  week  he  writes :  "  I  have 
learned  since  Sabbath  that  my  fears  were  altogether  with- 
out foundation.  The  impression  made  by  the  sermon  was 
generally  just  what  I  desired.    I  hope  this  will  lead  me 


56 


LIFE  OF  JOHX  S.  IFSKIP. 


hereafter  to  do  my  duty  faithfully  and  affectionately, 
leaving  the  results  with  God.  How  often  has  my  mind 
been  harrassed  by  such  things,  when  I  ought  to  have  been 
exulting  in  the  Rock  of  my  salvation.  In  the  instance  re- 
ferred to,  a  few,  of  course,  were  displeased ;  but  the  great 
body  of  the  people,  including  the  most  prominent  members 
of  the  church,  responded  with  great  satisfaction  and  zeal  to 
the  course  I  pursued." 

He  finds  occasion  to  reproach  himself  for  his  unfaithful- 
ness. July  10  he  says  :  "  Went  out  after  tea  and  made  two 
visits  and  five  calls.  At  each  place  I  spent  some  time,  and 
endeavored  to  make  my  conversation  as  edifying  as  I  could. 
How  much  I  might  do  in  this  way.  But  my  heart  is  not 
filled  with  love  as  it  should  be.  Too  frequently  I  become 
careless  about  my  own  moral  improve  :n  nt.  What  a  poor, 
unworthy,  and  unfaithful  creature  I  am  !  I  make  many  new 
resolves,  but  oh,  how  few  do  I  fully  keep !  My  mind,  as  I 
advance  in  years,  becomes  more  and  more  burdened  with  a 
consciousness  of  my  insufficiency.  The  responsibilities  of 
my  station  are  fearful.  May  the  Lord  grant  me  grace 
according  to  my  day." 

He  finds  himself  "  more  and  more  nervous  during  a  thun- 
der storm.  But  this,"  he  says,  "  is  wrong.  I  am  in  the 
hands  of  Him  whose  thunder  makes  me  afraid ;  and  He  is 
my  Father.    Therefore  I  should  say, — 

"  '  Away  my  unbelieving  fear; 

Fear  shall  in  me  no  more  have  place.' 

"  The  difficulty,  however,  is,  my  faith  is  too  weak.  I  do 
not  cleave  to  my  Master  as  I  should.  Oh  that  my  heart 
were  open  to  receive  my  Saviour's  glorious  grace  !  I  could 
write  many  bitter  things  against  myself,  but  I  forbear. 
The  Lord  can  see  and  understand  the  secrets  of  my  soul. 
May  He  come  and  take  full  possession  of  my  heart.  I 


FROM  TIIE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  CITY. 


57 


want  to  feel  the  witness  of  His  spirit  every  day  and  hour. 
This  I  need  to  qualify  me  for  the  work  in  which  I  am  en- 
gaged." 

Ou  the  twenty-fifth  of  July  of  this  year,  the  aged  mother 
of  Mrs.  Inskip  passed  to  her  reward  from  her  home  in  North 
East.  Mr.  Inskip  makes  the  following  brief  record  of  her 
character  and  end :  "  She  suffered  much,  and  lingered  on 
the  shores  of  mortality  until  Friday,  the  twenty-fifth  of 
July,  when  she  fell  asleep  in  Jesus.  She  bore  her  suffer- 
ings, which  were  excruciating,  with  Christian  fortitude,  and 
without  murmuring.  She  gave  very  satisfactory  assurances 
of  her  fitness  for  the  abodes  of  bliss.  And  thus,  after  a 
pilgrimage  of  about  seventy -two  years  —  fifty-seven  of 
which  were  spent  in  the  bosom  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  her 
happy  spirit  took  its  departure  to  heaven.  We  committed 
her  mortal  remains  to  the  grave  the  twenty-sixth ;  a  large 
number  of  friends  were  present,  and  a  suitable  discourse 
was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Joshua  Humphries,  the  preacher 
in  charge  of  the  circuit." 

Mr.  Inskip's  parents  had  removed  to  Cincinnati,  and 
hearing  of  their  illness,  he,  with  Mrs.  Inskip,  two  days  after 
the  burial  of  the  mother,  started  on  a  visit  to  them.  On 
the  second  of  August  they  arrived,  and  found  them  in  im- 
proved health.  After  a  few  days  of  rest,  he  visited  a  camp- 
meeting  and  preached  twice,  "  and  was  favored  with  con- 
siderable liberty  and  Divine  influence."  He  preached  sev- 
eral times  in  the  churches  in  Cincinnati,  and  was  received 
with  great  cordiality  by  the  preachers.  "  Indeed,"  he  says, 
"I  was  never  treated  better  in  my  life." 

His  kind  reception  by  the  preachers,  and  the  fact  that  his 
parents  resided  in  Cincinnati,  induced  him  to  solicit  from 
Bishop  Hamline  a  transfer  to  the  Ohio  Conference.  Not 
expecting  an  immediate  reply  to  his  application,  he  says : 
"  If  I  am  transferred,  I  shall  be  much  pleased ;  if  not,  I  shall 
be  perfectly  satisfied." 


58 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


On  the  twenty-fifth  of  August  they  started  on  their  home- 
ward trip,  arriving  in  Germantown  on  the  morning  of  the 
thirty-first.  For  some  time  after  his  return  he  found  his 
"  mind  a  good  deal  beclouded,"  and  "  but  little  inclined  to 
study."  The  subject  of  "  popery  has  received  no  small 
share  of  my  attention,"  he  says,  "  for  some  years,"  but  he 
now  concludes  "  that  the  true  policy  is  to  meet  the  crisis  by 
insisting  on,  and  enforcing,  the  peculiar  doctrines  and 
usages  of  Protestantism,  without  any  reference  to  popery. 
I  am  persuaded  that  a  great  and  general  revival  of  piety 
among  us  would  do  more  for  us  than  anything  else."  "We 
have  no  doubt  but  in  this  Mr.  Inskip  judged  wisely.  Error 
can  meet  logic  with  sophistry,  but  cannot  stand  in  the  pres- 
ence of  well  directed  gospel  truth.  And  this  idea  Mr. 
Inskip  emphasized  with  great  clearness,  in  the  later  years 
of  his  life. 

On  the  seventh  of  September,  a  very  remarkable  revival 
commenced  in  his  church  at  Germantown.  It  was  the  Sab- 
bath. He  preached  from  Eph.  v.  14:  "Awake  thou  that 
sleepest,"  &c.  "Two  came  to  the  altar,"  and  the  cry  of  the 
people  was,  "0  Lord,  revive  Thy  work!"  On  Monday 
night  u  seven  came  forward  for  prayers,  and  two  were  con- 
verted." Tuesday,  "the  Lord  poured  His  Spirit  upon  the 
people,  and  His  word  went  home  to  the  hearts  of  many. 
Fourteen  came  forward,  one  or  two  were  converted. 
The  cries  of  distress  were  so  great  among  those  seeking  the 
Lord,-  that  persons  leading  in  prayer  could  be  heard  only 
occasionally."  He  describes  one  "  whose  features  were  dis- 
torted, and  the  whole  system  seemed  convulsed  with  agony." 
Among  the  most  earnest  was  a  young  lady  whose  friends 
were  so  much  opposed  to  her  seeking  religion,  that  they 
shut  her  out  of  doors  the  night  before.  Her  parents  came 
to  the  church  this  evening,  and  the  moth  r,  seeing  the 
daughter  at  the  altar,  rushed  forward,  determined  to  take 


FROM  THE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  CITY.  59 

her  away.  She  was  prevented  from  doing  so,  and  a  few 
evenings  after,  this  earnest  seeker  managed  to  get  to  the 
prayer-meeting,  where  she  was  "powerfully  converted." 
Wednesday  evening,  "  eleven  came  forward  for  prayers,  and 
seven  or  eight  were  converted,"  and  the  "time  to  favor 
Zion,"  he  believed  had  come.  Thursday  night,  "thirteen 
were  at  the  altar,  and  six  or  seven  converted."  A  man  who 
had  greatly  opposed  his  wife's  seeking  religion,  was  at  the 
altar  the  evening  before  and  was  converted,  and  on  this 
evening  he  came  with  his  wife,  and  held  the  baby  while  she 
went  to  the  altar,  and  was  soon  made  happy  in  the  Saviour. 
Six  of  the  ten  who  were  at  the  altar  on  the  following  even- 
ing, were  converted.  Sunday  was  a  great  day  in  German- 
town.  Mr.  Inskip  preached  from  Gal.  vi.  9  :  "  Let  us  not 
be  weary  in  well  doing,"  &c.  "  I  never  witnessed  a  more 
striking  manifestation  of  the  Divine  power  and  glory. 
Every  heart  seemed  to  be  full,  and  there  was  one  tremen- 
dous and  general  burst  of  feeling."  He  received  on  proba- 
tion twenty-seven.  In  the  evening  the  altar  was  filled  with 
seekers,  and  "  seven  were  converted."  He  concludes  by  say- 
ing :  "  Upon  the  whole,  this  may  be  considered  one  of  the  best 
Sabbaths  I  have  ever  known.  Every  one  is  moved.  The 
whole  community  is  excited.  Glory  to  God !  glory  to 
God ! " 

The  revival,  it  would  seem,  aroused  considerable  opposi- 
tion. "  The  excitement,"  he  says,  "  continues  to  spread, 
and  the  devil  is  roaring  mad.  Several  of  the  converts  are 
violently  persecuted  by  their  relatives.  But  in  most  in- 
stances they  stand  firm.  The  work  is  of  God,  and  woe  to 
the  person  who  lifts  his  hand  against  it." 

In  the  midst  of  such  a  revival,  upon  personal  examination 
he  says  :  "  I  need  more  of  the  meek  and  humble  spirit  of  a 
true  disciple  of  Jesus.  There  is  too  much  pride  and  vain- 
glory about  me.    The  Lord  grant  me  a  warm  heart  and  a 


60 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


single  eye.  Oh  for  the  fullness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gos- 
pel of  peace  !  Of  all  men,"  he  says,  "  a  minister  of  the 
gospel  most  needs  the  blessing  of  holiness.  And  yet,  how- 
few  possess  it !  I  feel  a  strong  inclination  to  be  not  only 
cheerful,  but  trifling.  Cheerfulness  may  easily  be  carried 
into  levity.    At  least,  I  have  found  this  to  be  the  case." 

The  revival  continued  with  great  power,  until  some 
eighty  were  converted  and  added  to  the  church.  This  was 
one  of  his  best  revivals. 

In  December  of  this  year,  to  use  his  own  words,  "  I  made 
up  my  mind  to  make  another  attempt  to  abstain  from  the 
use  of  tobacco.  Whether  or  not  I  shall  succeed,  is  exceed- 
ingly doubtful."  It  would  seem  that  he  had  made  some 
unsuccessful  attempts,  and  his  fears  as  to  his  succeeding 
now  were  the  sure  helps  to  his  fall. 

The  question  of  his  transfer  to  the  Cincinnati  Conference 
was  now  approaching  a  crisis.  Rev.  Dr.  Sehon,  the  Bible 
Agent  of  that  section  of  the  country,  had  united  with  the  M. 
E.  Church  South,  and  Dr.  Strickland,  the  pastor  of  Ninth 
Street  Church,  Cincinnati,  had  been  elected  to  till  his  place, 
leaving  Ninth  Street  Church  without  a  pastor.  By  request 
of  Dr.  Strickland,  Mr.  Inskip  addressed  a  letter  to  Bishop 
Waugh.  This  letter  is  dated  u  Germautown,  Pa.,  Dec.  18, 
1845."  In  it  he  expresses  a  modest  wish  to  be  transferred, 
and  gives  his  reasons.  He  is  informed  that  the  "  official 
members  of  the  Ninth  Street  Church,  Cincinnati,  haveunani- 
imously  requested  the  Bishop  to  transfer  "  him,  and  appoint 
him  "  their  pastor."  Fearing  that  Bishop  Waugh  might 
not  receive  his  former  letter,  he  addressed  him  a  second  in 
these  words :  — 

"  Germantown,  Pa.,  Dec.  22,  1845. 
"Bishop  Waugh, —  Respected  Brother, —  This  morning  I  received 
intelligence  from  Cincinnati  that  leads  me  to  write  you  again,  fearing 
that  you  may  not  have  received  my  former  letter.    In  that  I  stated  all 


FROM  THE  COUNTRY  TO  THE  CITY. 


61 


that  perhaps  is  necessary.  I  would  like  to  add,  however,  that  inas- 
much as  the  official  brethren  of  the  Ninth  Street  charge  in  Cincin- 
nati, about  thirty  in  number,  have  unanimously  requested  the  Bishop 
to  transfer  me  ;  and  inasmuch  as,  in  the  event  of  the  transfer  being 
delayed  until  our  ensuing  conference,  this  providential  opening  will 
be  closed,  I  most  earnestly  desire,  if  it  can  be  done,  to  be  transferred 
to  the  Ohio  Conference  immediately.  You  will  excuse  me,  I  trust, 
for  evincing  such  an  interest  in  the  matter.  It  is  a  question  of  more 
than  ordinary  importance  to  me.  I  have  seen  the  presiding  elder, 
and  with  him  think  that  arrangements  for  the  appointments  can  be 
made  without  any  difficulty  whatever.  Please  write  at  your  earliest 
convenience. 

"  I  remain,  as  ever, 

"  Yours  obediently  in  the  Lord,         J.  S.  Inskip." 

By  the  advice  of  his  presiding  elder,  he  presented  the 
matter  of  his  probable  transfer  to  a  meeting  of  his  official 
members,  and  according  to  his  request,  they  passed  a  reso- 
lution approving  of  the  transfer,  in  which  they  say :  "  That 
while  we  regret  to  part  with  Bro.  Inskip  as  our  preacher, 
yet  in  view  of  all  the  circumstances,  we  cannot  seriously 
object,  nor  do  we  think  that  any  important  interest  of  the 
church  will  suffer." 

The  Ninth  Street  Church  in  Cincinnati  had  asked  for  his 
transfer;  his  own  church  and  presiding  elder  had  con- 
sented to  his  leaving ;  Bishops  Morris  and  Hamline  had 
united  in  a  request  to  Bishop  Waugh  to  make  the  transfer ; 
and  nothing  was  wanting  to  complete  the  arrangement  but 
the  official  sanction  of  Bishop  Waugh.  This  came  in  due 
time.  January  1,  1846,  he  received  a  letter  from  the  Bishop 
informing  him  of  his  transfer  to  the  Ohio  Conference.  A 
few  days  of  selling  off  of  goods,  packing,  hand-shaking,  and 
parting  salutations,  and  he,  with  his  family,  were  on  their 
way  to  the  "  Queen  City  "  of  the  West,  not  knowing  what 
would  befall  them  there. 


CHAPTER  V. 


WESTWARD.  —  CINCINNATI. 

Within  six  days  from  the  time  he  received  his  transfer, 
Mr.  Inskip  and  family  were  on  their  way  to  their  western 
home.  They  spent  several  days  among  their  friends  in 
North  East.  On  a  visit  to  one  of  his  friends,  Mr.  Inskip 
unexpectedly  found  assembled  a  large  party  of  young  and 
thoughtless  people.  "  For  society  of  this  kind,"  he  says, 
"I  have  but  little  relish.  Hence,  immediately  after  supper, 
I  left  and  was  seen  no  more  among  them.  These  parties 
are  doing  a  vast  amount  of  injury  to  the  church.  From  the 
opportunities  I  have  had  of  judging,  I  am  led  to  the  con- 
clusion that  the  church  in  this  village,  and  throughout  this 
circuit,  is  far,  very  far  behind  what  it  was  eight  or  ten 
years  ago.  It  is  painful  to  witness  the  vanity,  the  worldly- 
minded  ness,  the  lukewarmness  and  the  irreligious  influences 
which  prevail."  After  preaching  for  Rev.  Mr.  Humphries, 
he  says  :  "  It  really  seems  as  though  there  are  not  enough  of 
the  living  to  bury  the  dead." 

From  North  East  they  went  to  Baltimore,  where  Mr.  In- 
skip had  a  pleasant  interview  with  Bishop  Waugh.  The 
next  day  they  crossed  the  mountains,  encountering,  between 
Cumberland  and  Wheeling,  a  severe  snow-storm.  Not- 
withstanding the  rain,  and  hail,  and  snow,  they  plodded  on 
in  the  old  stage-coach,  until  about  eight  o'clock  the  second 
evening,  when  they  arrived  at  Wheeling.    But  just  as  they 

62 


WESTWARD.  —  CINCINNATI. 


03 


"were  about  to  retire  for  a  quiet  night's  rest,  the  steamboat 
arrived,  and  they  were  compelled  to  hasten  on  board,  and 
about  midnight  were  on  their  way  down  the  Ohio  River. 
Of  the  officers  and  others  on  board,  Mr.  Inskip  speaks  in 
rather  a  disparaging  tone.  "  All  seem  to  be  their  own  mas- 
ters," he  says :  "  The  captain  was  formerly  a  member  of  the 
Ohio  Conference.  The  clerk  is  an  exhorter  in  our  church. 
Steamboating,  in  the  way  things  are  here  conducted,  is  very 
poor  business  for  Methodists,  and  especially  so  for  Metho- 
dist preachers."  They  were  detained  by  the  ice  in  the  river 
and  the  breaking  of  the  wheel  of  the  steamer;  but  on 
Saturday,  the  twenty-fourth,  at  11.30  a.m.,  they  arrived  at 
Cincinnati,  greatly  rejoiced  that  they  were  permitted  to 
meet  their  parents  and  friends  once  more. 

The  following  day,  being  Sunday,  he  preached  his  first 
sermon  as  pastor  of  Ninth  St.  M.  E.  Church,  from  Rom. 
viii.  24,  25 :  "  For  we  are  saved  by  hope,"  etc.  "  The  Lord 
favored  me  with  His  blessed  Spirit,"  he  says,  "  and  the  peo- 
ple seemed  to  enjoy  themselves  very  much."  His  second 
Sabbath  was  better  than  the  first.  He  had  great  liberty  in 
preaching,  and  at  night  there  were  three  at  the  altar,  and 
one  converted. 

A  house  was  procured  on  Court  St.,  and  the  matter  of 
settling  and  getting  ready  for  housekeeping  was  commenced. 
At  the  close  of  the  week  he  says :  "  Such  a  week  of  labor 
and  perplexity  we  have  never  had  before.  Martha  Jane  is 
almost  ready  to  give  up.  The  worst,  however,  is  over,  and 
soon  we  shall  be  quite  comfortable  and  happy,  provided  we 
take  care  of  the  better  part."  The  religious  interest  in  his 
church  and  Sunday-school  perceptibly  increased.  He  says  : 
'The  official  members  appear  in  good  spirits,  and  the  entire 
membership  are  alive."  They  organized  the  first  infant  de- 
partment in  the  Sunday-school,  west  of  the  Alleghany 
Mountains,  of  which  Mrs.  Inskip  had  charge.    More  or  less 


64 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


were  converted,  but  no  general  revival  seems  to  have  broken 
out.  He  has  the  complaint  to  make,  that  it  is  "  hard  work 
to  keep  things  in  motion  at  Ninth  St.  The  people  have 
been  so  little  accustomed  to  anything  in  the  way  of  a  re- 
vival, for  a  few  years  past,  that  they  scarcely  know  how  to 
get  along  with  the  little  excitement  now  prevailing.  But 
still  they  do  full  as  well  as  could  be  expected  under  the 
circumstances." 

He  finds  his  "  own  soul  improving  in  the  Divine  life ; " 
but  concludes  that  he  has  "  frequently  lost  sight  of  personal 
piety  in  his  concern  for  the  salvation  of  others,"  —  a  matter 
which  all  laborers  for  souls  would  do  well  to  ponder. 
Strength  for  service  never  comes,  primarily,  by  what  we  do, 
but  by  what  we  receive.  We  are  "strengthened  by  His 
Spirit  with  might  in  the  inner  man." 

There  were,  in  his  church,  some  cases  of  marked  conver- 
sion. We  record  one.  At  a  Friday-evening  prayer-meet- 
ing, April  10,  matters,  "for  a  time,  seemed  rather  dull. 
But  it  soon  became  manifest  that  the  Lord  was  among  the 
people."  "While  we  were  calmly  pursuing  the  way  of 
duty,"  says,  Mr.  Inskip  "suddenly  there  was  one  of  the 
most  remarkable  displays  of  Divine  power  I  ever  felt  or 
witnessed.  There  were  three  at  the  altar,  and  among  them 
was  one  who  had  been  there  sevsral  times  before.  She  ap- 
peared rather  discouraged.  But  in  relying  upon  Christ  she 
found  Him  to  be  a  sufficient  Saviour.  And  as  her  soul 
passed  from  nature's  night  into  the  marvelous  light  of 
the  Gospel,  every  heart  in  the  room  caught  the  hallowed 
flame,  and  there  was  one  general  simultaneous  burst  of 
praise  and  glory  to  God." 

The  subject  of  a  better  spiritual  state  seemed  to  be  con- 
stantly pressed  upon  his  mind.  We  doubt  not  that  his  rela- 
tions to  Bishop  Hamline  had  much  to  do  with  calling  his 
attention  to  the  subject.    He  says  :  "  In  the  afternoon  (May 


WESTWARD.  —  CINCINNATI. 


65 


9)  had  a  brief,  but  very  profitable  interview  with  Bishop 
Hamline  and  his  wife.  They  certainly  are  examples  to  the 
flock  of  Christ  under  their  care.  But  few  men  are  doing 
the  M.  E.  Church  as  great  service."  A  few  days  later,  lie 
writes  :  "  In  company  with  Bishop  Hamline  and  others,  we 
took  tea  at  father's.  The  Bishop  made  his  visit  the  means 
of  promoting  the  spiritual  welfare  of  all  present.  The  en- 
tire time  was  spent  in  religious  conversation  and  prayer. 
This,  doubtless,  is  as  it  should  be."  He  speaks  of  Bishop 
Hamline's  taking  tea  with  him  and  preaching  for  him. 

In  the  midst  of  these  visitations  of  the  good  bishop,  Mr. 
Inskip  says  :  "  I  feel  my  need  of  more  religion.  I  have  not 
enjoyed  myself  as  it  is  my  duty  and  privilege.  Yet  I  am, 
I  trust,  now  willing  to  give  God  all  my  heart.  May  He  ac- 
cept the  humble  offering,  and  fill  me  with  all  the  life  of  love. 
The  part  I  occupy  is  one  of  fearful  responsibility.  I  am, 
in  the  providence  of  God,  appointed  to  the  oversight  of  the 
flock  of  Christ.  And  all  my  labors  will  tend  to  weal  or 
woe.  These  thoughts  make  a  deep  impression  upon  my 
mind.  And  when  I  view  them  in  connection  with  my  great 
unfaithfulness,  I  feel  that  I  am  in  no  wise  'sufficient  for 
these  things.'    But  my  trust  is  in  the  Lord." 

The  same  Sabbath  that  Bishop  Hamline  preaches  for  him, 
he,  himself,  in  the  evening,  preaches  on  Christian  perfection. 
"  I  trust,"  he  says,  "  my  labors  were  not  in  vain.  There  has 
been,  however,  so  much  disputing  about  this  matter,  that  I 
fear  but  few  either  understand  or  believe  it.  And  yet  there 
is  no  truth  more  clearly  revealed,  or  more  plainly  enforced, 
in  the  Scriptures.  May  my  own  heart  feel  its  blessed  influ- 
ence! It  is  my  sincere  desire  to  know  the  true  and  right 
way.  I  know  it  is  both  my  privilege  and  duty  to  be  much 
better  than  I  am." 


66 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


THE  MEXICAN  WAK. 

In  the  month  of  May,  of  1846,  the  first  news  reached 
Cincinnati  of  a  war  with  Mexico.  The  intelligence  pro- 
duced great  excitement.  It  was  rumored  that  our  troops 
were  entirely  cut  off.  Conflicting  opinions,  with  regard  to 
the  justice  of  the  war,  were  rife.  One  party  insisted  that 
the  American  government  had  been  exceedingly  conciliatory 
towards  the  Mexicans ;  while  the  other  maintained  that  we 
had  offered  them  every  possible  insult,  and  had  evinced  a 
most  intolerant  and  oppressive  spirit,  and  consequently  were 
in  the  wrong.  And  Mr.  Inskip  frankly  says :  "The  latter 
is  my  opinion."  He  sees  in  the  war  only  peril  to  our  na- 
tion, not  that  we  were  likely  to  be  conquered  by  Mexico, 
but  that  the  Old  World  would  take  sides  with  Mexico,  and 
"  we  should  be  compelled  to  wage  a  bloody  war  for  many 
years  to  come."  Had  Henry  Clay  been  president  instead 
of  James  K.  Polk,  in  his  judgment,  these  evils  had  not  come. 

Sunday,  May  24. —  "  At  night,  preached  at  Ninth  St.,  from 
1  Pet.  i.  7.  Owing  to  the  receipt  of  intelligence  from  the 
seat  of  war,  by  which  the  whole  community  was  thrown 
into  a  perfect  hurricane  of  commotion,  the  congregation  was 
small,  and  in  a  poor  state  for  profitably  hearing  the  Word 
of  the  Lord.  The  roaring  of  the  cannon,  etc.,  created  such 
a  state  of  feeling  as  must  make  every  good  man  fear  lest  God 
be  against  us  and  suffer  us  to  be  punished  in  the  defeat  of 
our  armies,  or  ensnared  by  their  success.  For  there  are 
many  of  the  more  reflecting  portion  of  our  citizens  who 
view  victory  in  this  struggle  a  greater  disaster  than  defeat. 
Our  national  affairs  have  certainly  come  to  a  fearful  crisis. 
We  are  on  the  very  threshold  of  ruin.  And  yet  many  of 
our  principal  men  are  madly  rushing  onward,  Jehu-like." 
"  All  the  talk,"  he  says,  "  is  about  war,  war,  war !  And,  what 
is  passing  strange,  many  are  exulting  in  the  idea.    And  in- 


WESTWARD.  —  CINCINNATI. 


67 


deed  I  find  it  exceedingly  difficult  amidst  all  this  confusion 
to  keep  my  mind  in  a  proper  state." 

It  is  not  difficult  to  understand  how  a  man  of  Mr. 
Inskip's  make-up  would  be  likely  to  treat  such  a  subject  as 
war,  especially  if  he  were  opposed  to  it.  He  could  not  be 
conservative  on  any  subject.  He  must  be  for  or  against 
and  which  ever  way  he  went,  it  was  with  all  his  soul.  Those 
soul-harrowing  doubts  and  forebodings  as  to  the  result  of 
the  war  with  Mexico,  were  relieved  somewhat  by  rays  of 
hope  which  now  and  then  broke  upon  him.  It  might,  after 
all,  open  great  and  effectual  doors  for  the  dissemination  of 
the  Gospel,  as  had  been  the  case  in  the  war  between  China 
and  Great  Britain.  "  The  same  result  may  ensue  in  the 
war  between  the  United  States  and  Mexico.  And  then 
God  may  be  preparing  the  way  for  the  final  and  complete 
triumphs  of  the  Cross.  Our  trust  and  sufficiency  are  in 
Him." 

He  prepared  and  preached  a  sermon,  denouncing  the  war 
in  the  severest  terms,  a  fuller  notice  of  which  we  will  give 
hereafter. 

In  the  prosecution  of  his  pastoral  work  he  records  many 
incidents  which  our  space  will  not  permit  us  to  transcribe. 
As  an  example,  we  give  the  following :  "  I  attended  the 
funeral  of  a  man,"  he  says,  "  who  died  under  the  following 
distressing  circumstances.  His  name  was  Minster,  a  me- 
chanic. Some  few  days  previous  to  his  decease  he  met 
with  a  slight  accident,  which,  for  the  time,  disabled  him  for 
work.  On  returning  to  his  work  he  observed  to  some  one 
or  two  persons,  that  his  knee,  from  the  effects  of  his  late 
fall,  was  very  stiff.  In  farther  conversation  he  remarked, 
that  he  had  had  many  falls  in  his  life,  and  although  in  each 
case  he  was  exposed  to  imminent  danger,  he  had  uniformly 
escaped  with  little  or  no  injury,  and  that  he  had  conse- 
quently come  to  the  conclusion  that  he  should  never  die  by  a 


68 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


fall.  Just  as  he  made  this  remark  the  convereation  closed, 
and  he  started  on  his  way  down  stairs.  The  heel  of  his 
boot  caught  on  the  edge  of  the  first  step,  and  he  fell  head- 
long. In  five  minutes  he  was  a  dead  man.  Of  his  charac- 
ter I  know  nothing ;  but  was  informed  that  he  was  an  up- 
right, honest  man."  This  shows  the  utter  unreliability  of 
impressions. 

Mr.  Inskip  seems  to  have  been  at  this  time  an  earnest 
temperance  advocate.  The  Sons  of  Temperance  held  an 
anniversary  in  the  city  Aug.  1,  and  elected  him  their  chap- 
lain. 

On  the  seventh  of  this  month  he  attended  a  camp-meet- 
ing. He  speaks  of  Drs.  Trimball,  Wilson,  Teft,  Lowrey, 
Strickland,  Walker,  White,  and  himself,  preaching.  He  de- 
scribes a  sermon  preached  by  a  brother  as  follows :  "  At 

night  Bro.  S  preached.    His  sermon  was  little  more 

than  a  collection  of  absurdities  and  contradictions  in  refer- 
ence to  the  second  coming  of  the  Redeemer.  The  effect 
was  as  bad  as  it  could  well  be.  There  was  one  general 
murmur.  I  felt  a  great  prompting  to  exhort,  and  solicited 
the  privilege  of  doing  so.  The  Lord  gave  me  unusual  lib- 
erty in  my  effort  to  counteract  the  sad  influence  which  the 
sermon  had  produced.  I  never  witnessed  a  more  clear, 
Divine  attestation  of  the  truth.  Thirty  and  upwards 
were  converted.  During  the  meeting  about  seventy-five 
were  converted,  and  perhaps  fifty  joined  the  church  on 
probation." 

At  the  close  of  this  camp-meeting  he  proceeded  to  New 
Albany,  Ind.,  and  attended  a  camp-meeting  at  the  Knobs, 
where  about  forty  were  converted.  He  preached  one  even- 
ing in  the  Methodist  Church  in  New  Albany.  Of  the  ser- 
vice he  says:  "There  was  a  fine  congregation.  Twenty 
came  forward  for  prayers.  The  Lord  gave  me  a  good 
degree  of  liberty  in  preaching.    There  are  flattering  indica- 


WESTWARD.  —  CINCINNATI. 


GO 


tions  of  a  glorious  revival  of  religion  in  this  place.  At  the 
camp-meeting  and  in  this  church  I  preached  six  times,  and 
exhorted  three  or  four  times." 

Sunday,  Aug.  30,  was  the  last  Sabbath  of  his  first  year  in 
Ninth  Street.  He  preached  from  Heb.  vii.  20-28,  and  "  had 
some  liberty." 

The  year,  on  the  whole,  had  been  a  pleasant  one,  but  no 
special  revival  had  been  witnessed,  which  was  an  occasion 
of  great  sadness  to  the  pastor.  Souls  had  been  converted 
and  added  to  the  church,  but  nothing  would  satisfy  him  but 
a  general,  sweeping  work  of  God. 

The  conference  met  at  Piqua.  He  describes  it  as  the 
"  most  pleasant  and  harmonious  session  he  ever  attended. 
Every  one  seemed  to  be  satisfied,  and  most  were  delighted." 
Mr.  Inskip  was  re-appointed  to  Ninth  Street,  Cincinnati. 
On  his  return  he  enters  into  his  work  with  his  usual  vows 
of  faithfulness.  They  abandon  housekeeping  for  board- 
ing, which  gives  him  and  Mrs.  Inskip  more  leisure  for 
church  work.  "  The  purpose  of  my  soul  is,"  he  writes,  "  to 
spend  and  be  spent  in  the  service  and  to  the  praise  of 
God." 

Ministers  come  in  contact  with  all  phases  of  human  na- 
ture, and  with  some  that  scarcely  seem  human.  Returning 
from  a  funeral  with  his  "  heart  almost  overwhelmed  with 
sympathy  "  in  view  of  the  "destitution  and  wretchedness  " 
which  he  witnessed,  he  met  an  aged  man  whom  he  addressed  : 
"Well,  my  old  friend,  how  do  you  do?"  "I  am  well, 
thank  God,"  he  replied.  "You  must  be  quite  old,  I  ob- 
served. How  old  are  you  ? "  "I  am  about  ninety,"  he 
answered.  "  The  way  now  being  opened  I  said  to  him,  I 
trust,  my  old  friend,  that  you  have  made  the  necessary 
preparation  for  death.  He  looked  at  me  a  moment,  and 
said,  "  Yes,  thank  God,  I  hope  I  have."  He  then  paused 
for  a  moment,  as,  I  thought,  overcome  by  his  feelings. 


70 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


While  I  was  waiting  for  some  additional  remark,  giving  ex- 
pression to  Lis  devout  feelings,  he  looked  at  me  with  un- 
common interest,  and  said,  "  Have  you  got  a  spare  fip  to 
buy  me  some  tobacco  ? "  Our  conversation  terminated, 
and  I  gave  him  the  amount,  and  quickly  retired." 

Mr.  Inskip  seems  to  be  exceedingly  dissatisfied  with 
his  experience,  and  yet  he  renews  his  consecration,  and  pro- 
poses to  do  better  in  the  future.  "I  need  more  of  the 
Divine  influence  in  my  own  heart.  I  look  back  upon  the 
early  period  of  my  religious  experience,  and  fear  that  I  do 
not  enjoy  as  much  religion  now  as  I  did  then.  The  multi- 
plicity of  cares  connected  with  my  position  in  the  church, 
have  tended  too  frequently  to  fret  my  spirit,  and  sour  my 
disposition.  I  know  this  is  by  no  means  necessary.  That 
they  have  produced  such  a  result  in  any  instance  is  all  my 
own  fault.  May  the  Lord  forgive  and  restore  to  me  the 
joy  of  His  great  salvation."  Three  days  later  he  says : 
"  Unless  I  am  greatly  deceived,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is 
upon  me  and  has  revived  my  zeal  for  the  Divine  glory.  It 
is  my  purpose,  by  the  help  and  blessing  of  God,  to  do  more 
labor  in  the  Master's  vineyard  this  year  than  I  have  done  at 
any  time  during  my  ministry."  He  decided  to  withdraw 
from  all  political  movements.  "  Some  years  ago,"  he  says, 
"I  suffered  myself  to  be  too  much  interepted  in  politics.  I 
have  concluded  it  will  be  just  as  well  for  me  to  let  politics 
alone  altogether." 

He  resolved  to  "  visit  and  pray  with  every  member  "  of 
his  church.  "  And  if  I  am  only  permitted  to  see  a  great 
and  glorious  revival  of  religion  in  the  charge,  I  shall  be 
abundantly  thankful  to  my  heavenly  Father  I  never  felt 
more  unworthy,  a  less  inclination  to  trust  in  myself.  My 
confidence  in  God  is  strong.  I  often  tremble  at  the  idea  of 
my  great  responsibility.  The  destiny  of  immortal  souls, 
in  a  measure,  is  in  my  hands.    I  shall,  in  some  de- 


WESTWARD.  —  CINCINNATI. 


71 


gree,  influence  their  condition  for  weal  or  woe  to  all  eter- 
nity." 

Under  the  inspiration  of  these  feelings  he  commences  a 
course  of  church  visitation.  The  first  day  he  "  visits  and 
prays  with  ten  families."  The  day  following  he  visits  and 
prays  with  "  fifteen,"  then  with  "  ten,"  after  that,  "  six," 
"  five,"  "  six,"  and  so  on.  He  cannot  give  over  the  struggle. 
He  says,  "  My  heart  is  drawn  out  after  God.  I  cannot  give 
up  the  struggle.  I  will,  by  the  help  of  my  blessed  Master, 
continue  to  labor  and  toil  to  cultivate  Immanuel's  lands." 
Soon  sinners  came  as  seekers  to  the  altar  and  were  con- 
verted. 

His  greatest  difficulty  was  with  his  church.  "  We  need," 
he  says,  "  a  revival  in  the  church.  If  this  point  were  se- 
cured, it  appears  to  me  we  would  soon  have  a  general  out- 
pouring of  the  Spirit.  Many  of  my  members  are  backsliding, 
and  many  others  have  become  confirmed  apostates.  I 
tremble  when  I  think  of  the  condition  of  my  church.  May 
the  Lord  undertake  for  us.  Amen." 

For  a  time  the  prospects  for  a  revival  seemed  encourag- 
ing, but  the  excitement  incident  to  war,  and  other  things, 
prevented  a  general  work.  Shortly  after  we  hear  him 
lamenting  over  the  fact  that  out  of  a  "  membership  of  three 
hundred  and  fifty,  only  about  twenty  "  persons  were  found 
at  a  prayer-meeting,  with  nothing  to  prevent  their  coming 
except  the  want  of  a  disposition.  "  It  looks  to  me,"  he 
says,  "  more  like  'death  in  the  pot'  than  anything  I  have 
seen  for  many  years.  I  have  labored  assiduously  to  wake 
up  a  sufficient  interest  in  these  meetings,  but  it  has  been  all 
in  vain."  The  following  evening  he  had  but  about  twenty- 
five  out  to  a  preaching  service,  and  five  of  them  were  from 
another  charge. 

This  state  of  things  resulted  in  "  a  deep  and  prayerful 
examination  into  the  cause  of  such  woful  neglect."    He  at 


72 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


once  determined  to  make  an  effort  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
to  obtain  a  revival  of  religion  in  his  own  soul,  as  well  as 
"  among  the  brethren."  Extra  meetings  were  appointed, 
which  resulted  in  a  few  conversions.  He  finally  concludes 
that  it  is  "  almost  impossible  to  obtain  the  right  sort  of  feel- 
ing at  Ninth  Street,  and  t'nat  he  must  content  himself  with 
going  along  at  a  sort  of  a  snail's  pace."  He  accuses  himself 
of  having  "  too  much  of  self  and  vain-glorying  about "  him, 
and  of  "  not  possessing  the  humility  and  zeal  becoming  a 
minister  of  the  gospel  of  Christ."  "  Indeed,  I  come  short 
in  everything.  As  I  advance  in  life,  my  imperfections  seem 
to  multiply  rather  than  diminish."  This  is  followed  by  the 
prayer :  "  Oh,  for  a  pure  heart ! "  "  Oh,  for  holiness  unto 
the  Lord  ! "  Notwithstanding  these  humbling  views  of 
himself,  he  had  seasons  of  refreshing,  when  he  could  say, 
"  The  Lord  was  there  to  bless  us.  Glory  be  to  His  name  ! 
I  have  not  enjoyed  myself  better  for  a  long  time !  Praise 
the  Lord ! " 

For  many  weeks  Mrs.  Inskip  was  very  sick,  and  conse- 
quently unable  to  attend  the  meetings,  where  her  pres- 
ence and  labors  were  greatly  needed.  This  was  to  her 
husband  cause  of  constant  anxiety,  adding  greatly  to 
his  sorrow.  These  home  troubles,  added  to  a  spiritually 
dead  church,  were  not  the  most  favorable  circumstances 
to  increase  the  spiritual  comfort  of  a  man  of  Mr.  Inskip's 
temperament.  He  chafed  under  them,  and  did  not  regret 
being  relieved  from  them  when  the  time  came  for  a 
change. 

The  Cincinnati  Preachers'  Meeting  was  organized  Oct.  12, 
1846,  and  Mr.  Inskip  was  elected  its  first  president,  which 
position  he  had  the  honor  of  holding  while  he  remained  in 
the  city.  These  meetings  were  held  on  Monday,  a.m.,  at 
such  places  as  were  weekly  determined  upon.  The  special 
subject  of  interest  considered  in  these  weekly  gatherings, 


WESTWARD.  —  CINCINNATI. 


73 


was  the  "reports"  which  the  preachers  gave  of  the  work 
in  their  charges  during  the  preceding  week.  They  were 
simple  and  generally,  spiritual. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


IN  THE  WEST.  —  SUNSHINE  AND  SHADOWS. 

In  1847,  the  conference  was  held  in  Columbus,  commenc- 
ing September  1.  Bishop  Janes  presided.  The  conference, 
for  some  reason,  was  not  as  pleasant  as  had  been  the  former 
conference  at  Piqua.  Some  of  the  brethren  said,  "  It  was 
the  most  unpleasant  conference  they  had  ever  attended." 
Mr.  Inskip  was  stationed  at  Wesley  Chapel,  Dayton,  an  ap- 
pointment entirely  satisfactory  to  him  and  his  family.  He 
returned  to  Cincinnati,  and  spent  the  Sabbath,  heard  Dr. 
Pitman  preach  "a  popular  sermon"  in  the  morning,  and 
Bishop  Janes  "a  most  excellent  sermon"  in  the  evening. 
The  following  Sabbath,  he  was  at  Dayton,  and  "had  a  good 
time  preaching,  morning  and  night."  No  sooner  were  they 
settled  in  their  new  home,  than  a  thief  entered  their  dwell- 
ing at  night,  and  even  into  their  sleeping  room,  where  a 
light  was  burning,  and  robbed  Mr.  Inskip  of  his  coat,  purse, 
and  seventeen  dollars  in  money."  "This,"  he  says,  "was 
the  first  time  I  was  ever  robbed,  and  I  hope  it  may  be  the 
last." 

His  second  Sabbath,  in  his  new  charge,  was  more  hopeful 
than  the  first.  "  At  night,"  he  says,  "  I  preached  from 
'  Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might.' 
There  was  a  tremendous  crowd  present,  and  truly  I  was  fa- 
vored of  the  Lord.    Many,  I  trust,  were  cut  to  the  heart. 

74 


IN  THE  WEST.  —  SUNSHINE  AND  SHADOWS.  75 


Eight  joined,  making  in  all,  for  the  day,  ten.  To  God  be 
all  the  glory.    Several  came  to  the  altar  for  prayers." 

Their  church  was  found  to  be  too  small  to  hold  the  crowds 
which  flocked  to  hear  the  new  preacher,  and  the  necessity 
i  f  building  a  new  church,  was  considered,  and  at  once  deter- 
mined upon.  The  entire  oversight  of  the  matter  was  com- 
mitted to  the  pastor.  He  was  to  be  solicitor,  collector,  and 
paymaster, —  more,  he  was  really  to  build  the  house,  and 
pay  for  it.  This  work  he  readily  undertook,  and  pressed  it 
to  a  grand  consummation. 

Before  the  work  had  fairly  commenced,  Mr.  Inskip,  unin- 
tentionally, involved  himself  in  what  came  near  proving  to 
be  a  serious  affair.  While  in  Cincinnati,  he  had  prepared 
and  delivered  a  discourse  on  the  Mexican  War,  in  which  he 
took  strong  grounds  against  the  government,  denouncing  the 
war,  as  he  was  capable  of  doing,  in  unmeasured  terms. 
This  sermon  he  repeated  in  Dayton.  He  says  (Nov.  21), 
"  Preached  in  the  morning  on  the  '  Signs  of  the  times,'  and 
at  night,  upon  1  War.'  In  both  instances  I  said  many  plain 
things,  and  perhaps,  in  some  instances,  gave  offense.  This, 
though  exceedingly  unpleasant,  I  cannot  avoid." 

The  next  day  (Monday),  he  writes,  "  Much  excitement 
through  the  whole  place,  on  account  of  my  sermon  on  War." 

On  the  following  Thursday,  he  speaks  of  "  the  tremendous 
excitement  produced  by  my  sermon  on  War." 

The  newspapers,  which  did  not  sympathize  with  Mr.  In- 
skip's  views,  opened  a  fearful  cannonade  upon  him.  Their 
articles  were  headed,  "  Toryism  in  the  pulpit."  Language, 
the  most  scurrilous  and  abusive,  was  employed.  In  a  paper 
entitled  Western  Empire,  he  was  described  as  the  "great  Peter 
Brush."  It  represented  him  as  saying,  that  "  all  slain  in  the 
battle-fields  of  Mexico  are  doomed  to  hell,  and  will  awake 
in  unhonored  darkness  at  the  judgment  day,  and  hopes  that 
no  one  will  pretend  that  they  have  gone  to  heaven."  He 


76 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


is  a  "reverend  stumper,"  a  "zealot,"  "he  would  do  for  a 
bushwhacking  stumper  in  the  outside  townships,  not  having 
brains  enough  to  suit  the.  taste  of  his  federal  brethren  in  the 
cities."  This,  and  much  more  like  it,  was  from  the  pen  of 
"A  Hearer." 

Mr.  Inskip  denied  the  charges  made  by  "  A  Hearer,"  and 
asked  the  Empire  to  publish  his  sermon  in  full,  which  they 
refused  to  do.  The  sermon  was  published  in  the  Dayton 
Journal,  accompanied  by  most  scathiug  editorial  remarks 
against  the  illiberalisin  of  the  Empire.  When  the  sermon 
was  published,  it  was  found  to  coutain  little  of  the  objec- 
tionable matter  of  which  the  Empire  had  complained,  where 
upon  this  unfair  sheet  accused  the  preacher  of  suppressing 
the  obnoxious  passages,  and  that  the  sermon  published,  was 
not  the  sermon  preached.  Mr.  Iuskip,  in  a  letter  to  the  Jour- 
nal, denied  the  charges  made  by  the  Empire,  declaring  in  the 
most  positive  manner,  that  the  published  sermon  was  the 
sermon  which  he  preached.  The  Journal  defended  Mr.  In 
skip  against  the  abusive  attack  of  the  Empire,  and  thus  the 
matter  came  to  an  end.  Still,  it  had  its  unfavorable  effects 
upon  the  preacher.  He  says,  "  I  begin  to  be  wearied  out 
with  the  excitement  occasioned  by  my  war  sermon."  Again, 
he  says,  "  Felt  much  fatigue  with  the  excitement  of  the  past 
ten  days.    Hope,  however,  the  worst  is  over." 

The  following  Sabbath  he  had  a  fine  congregation,  morn 
ing  and  evening.  "  At  night,  two  came  forward  for  prayers." 
"I  am  fully  persuaded,"  he  says,  "that  if  I  commit  noerroi 
of  conduct,  the  excitement  my  sermon  on  the  '  War '  pro 
duced,  will  turn  out  for  the  furtherance  of  the  truth." 

The  war  excitement  subsiding,  he  enters  upon  his  church 
building  scheme,  with  great  zeal. 

The  contract  between  the  building  committee  and  the 
builders  for  the  new  church,  was  arranged,  and  the  work 
progressed  with  commendable  rapidity.    The  salvation  of 


IN  THE  WEST.— SUNSHINE  AND  SHADOWS.  77 


souls,  in  the  meantime,  was  not  neglected.  Special  meet- 
ings for  prayer  were  appoiuted,  and  the  presence  of  God 
was  with  preacher  and  people.  All  seemed  greatly  anxious 
to  advance  the  kingdom  of  Jesus.  At  one  of  these  prayer- 
meetings  (Jan.  23)  he  says,  "  In  the  afternoon  we  held  a 
prayer-meeting  for  the  benefit  of  the  church;  and  such  a 
time  I  never  witnessed.  I  shall  never  forget  it.  My  soul 
was  full  of  glory."  The  revival  which  followed  was  the 
most  fruitful  of  results  of  any  he  had  enjoyed  in  his  minis- 
try. Nightly  the  altar  was  crowded  with  seekers  of  pardon, 
and  the  joy  of  new-born  souls  gladdened  the  hearts  of  all. 

A  few  extracts  from  his  diary  will  give  the  reader  an 
idea  of  the  work  :  — 

Jan.  27. — "  The  house  was  perfectly  crowded.  There 
were  fourteen  at  the  altar.  How  many  were  converted  I 
could  not  ascertain.  But  the  Lord  was  nigh  in  mercy  and 
power." 

Jan.  28. —  "It  is  difficult  to  tell  where  this  work  will 
stop.  Fifteen  joined  on  probation,  and  some  twenty-two  or 
three  were  at  the  altar." 

Jan.  30. —  "I  never  saw  a  more  awe-stricken  assembly. 
Over  thirty  came  to  the  altar,  and  eight  or  ten  were  con- 
verted.   It  was  a  time  of  glorious  grace.    Blessed  be  God." 

Jan.  31. —  "The  people  seemed  to  have  access  to  the 
mercy-seat.  Near  thirty  came  forward  for  prayers,  and 
quite  a  number  were  converted.  The  conversions  were  un- 
usually clear  and  powerful.  Bide  on,  blessed  Jesus,  con- 
quering and  to  conquer  !    My  soul  is  full  of  glory." 

Feb.  7.  — "  Twenty-two  at  the  altar,  and  four  converted. 
Nine  joined,  and  among  them  were  some  of  the  most  re- 
markable cases  we  have  yet  had.  I  sjem  to  desire  just  as 
much  as  ever  the  conversion  of  sinners.  I  cannot  rest 
until  the  last  sinner  in  Dayton  shall  be  brought  to  God. 
Blessed  Bedeemer,  still  push  onward  the  victories  of  the 
cross ! " 


78 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


This  work  continued  into  March,  when  it  seemes  to  have 
subsided.  But  from  that  time  the  work  of  building  his 
church  appears  to  have  occupied  most  of  his  time.  The 
corner-stone  of  the  new  edifice  was  laid  April  10.  His  old 
friend,  Rev.  W.  Elliot,  delivered  the  address.  "The  sing- 
ing," he  says,  "  was  fine,  but  the  collection  was  an  entire 
failure." 

The  church  building  gave  him  great  solicitude.  "  Some- 
times," he  says,  "I  am  almost  ready  to  break  down  under 
the  burden  of  care  and  anxiety.  And  yet  I  know  I  ought 
not  to  mourn  or  utter  a  word  of  complaint.  I  proffered  my 
services  in  the  office  I  fill,  and  of  course  must  willingly  per- 
form all  its  duties  and  bear  all  its  burdens." 

The  year  closed  under  the  most  favorable  auspices. 
There  was  a  good  state  of  religious  interest  in  the  church, 
with  the  prospects  of  a  still  better,  when  they  should  occu- 
py their  new  and  beautiful  edifice. 

The  conference  met  at  Newark,  Ohio,  Sept.  27,  1848,  and 
Mr.  Inskip  was  re-appointed  to  Wesley  Chapel.  He  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  his  charge  with  his  usual  zeal.  The  new 
church  was  not  yet  completed.  And  as  it  was  erected  on 
the  site  of  the  old  one,  the  society  was  obliged  to  worship 
in  a  hall.  The  church  was  completed  in  due  time,  and 
dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  amidst  the  rejoicing  of 
the  people.  Extra  services  were  commenced,  and  protracted 
lor  several  weeks.  A  revival  of  extraordinary  power  fol- 
lowed, and  large  numbers  were  added  to  the  church. 

A  new  order  of  things  was  inaugurated  in  the  newly- 
dedicated  church.  Up  to  this  time  promiscuous  sittings  in 
the  Methodist  churches  in  the  West  were  unknown.  In  fact, 
the  practice  was  rare  outside  of  New  England. 

So  great  an  innovation  could  not  be  introduced  into  the 
churches  without  more  or  less  friction  and  excitement.  Wo 
shall  see  what  came  of  it  in  this  case. 


IN  THE  WEST.  —  SUNSHINE  AND  SHADOWS.  79 


At  the  first  quarterly  meeting,  after  the  dedication  of  the 
new  church,  the  subject  of  promiscuous  sittings  which  had 
been  adopted  by  this  church,  elicited  a  warm  discussion. 
The  presiding  elder,  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Walker,  was  decidedly 
opposed  to  the  practice,  and  frankly  stated  his  views.  Mr. 
Inskip  says :  "  During  the  day  the  elder  seemed  to  be  much 
out  of  sorts.  He  bore  unequivocal  testimony  to  his  disap- 
probation of  the  present  mode  of  seating  the  congregation, 
as  well  as  the  manner  of  singing.  I  replied  in  as  becoming 
a  manner  as  I  could,  and  for  so  doing  enjoy  the  approbation 
of  a  good  conscience,  and  the  good  feeling  of  the  people." 

A  few  days  later,  Mr.  Inskip  had  a  dream  which  made  a 
deep  impression  on  his  mind.  "I  dreamed  that  Bro. 
Walker,  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district,  was  preaching 
in  the  church  to  a  very  large  congregation.  Being  detained 
in  some  way,  I  did  not  get  to  the  church  until  after  the 
services  had  commenced.  As  I  entered  the  building  I  no- 
ticed a  crack  in  the  tower,  which  upon  close  examination,  I 
discovered  to  be  increasing  every  moment.  And  hearing  a 
noise,  and  perceiving  a  piece  of  timber  which  seemed  de- 
signed to  support  the  wall,  cracking  and  opening,  I  became 
alarmed  and  hastened  out  of  the  building,  and  just  made 
my  escape  in  time  to  see  it  fall.  No  one  was  injured. 
After  much  trouble  I  found  Bro.  Walker,  who,  with  a  signi- 
ficant sneer,  seemed  to  exult  in  the  loss  we  had  sustained, 
and  looked  upon  it  as  a  Divine  judgment  against  us  for  our 
promiscuous  seating,  choir  singing,  &c.  And  to  add  to  my 
mortification  he  reminded  me  that  I  must  leave  the  station 
and  give  place  to  someone  else.  The  fact  produced  a  great 
sensation  among  the  members.  A  meeting  was  called,  and 
the  presiding  elder  was  informed  that  no  one  could  possibly 
fill  Bro.  Iuskip's  place,  and  hence  at  all  hazards  he  would 
be  retained.  During  the  excitement  I  awoke.  My  inter- 
pretation of  this  is,  we  shall  yet  have  perilous  times  about 
our  new  church." 


80 


LIFE  OF  JOIIX  S.  IXSKIP. 


On  Thursday,  May  15,  1849,  Mr.  Inskip,  in  connection 
with  Rev.  S.  D.  Clayton,  entered  into  a  solemn  pledge  never 
more  to  indulge  in  the  use  of  tobacco.  Here  is  the 
pledge  :  — 

"Dayton,  O.,  May  15,  1S49. 

"  We,  the  undersigned,  believing  it  to  be  our  duty  to  discontinue 
the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  way  whatever,  do  hereby  solemnly,  and  in 
the  fear  of  God;  promise,  and  declare,  that  unless  prescribed  by  a 
judicious  physician,  as  necessary  to  our  health,  we  will  use  it  no  more 
forever  in  any  way. 

"J.  S.  Inskip, 
"S.  D.  Clayton." 

The  cholera,  which  had  been  making  fearful  ravages  in 
Cincinnati,  had  reached  Dayton.  The  people  were  greatly 
excited,  and  the  gloom  of  death  seemed  to  settle  down  upon 
the  town.  The  weather  was  oppressively  hot,  and  no  one 
knew  what  a  day  would  bring  forth.  On  the  twelfth  of 
August,  Mr.  Inskip  came  down  with  the  cholera.  Though 
the  attack  was  violent,  "  through%the  mercy  of  God  and  the 
kindness  of  attending  friends,"  he  says,  "I  passed  the  crisis 
about  six  o'clock."  But  to  his  great  alarm,  in  the  evening 
of  the  same  day,  his  wife  was  attacked  with  the  same 
malady.  The  following  day,  Mr.  Tnskip's  sister,  Mary  Ann, 
was  taken  in  the  same  manner,  and  the  three  being  down  at 
the  same  time,  the  house  was  well  nigh  a  hospital.  Well 
might  Mr.  Inskip  say :  "  Need  grace  for  such  an  hour  as 
this."  He  seemed  to  be  improving  the  following  day  ;  but 
it  was  only  apparent,  for  the  next  day  he  was  worse,  and  his 
case  seemed  quite  hopeless.  But  it  pleased  God  to  finally 
restore  them  all. 

Considerable  anxiety  was  felt  as  the  time  approached  for 
the  session  of  the  annual  conference,  which  was  to  be  held 
in  Wesley  Chapel,  Dayton.  The  query  in  all  minds  was, 
what  action  will  the  conference  take  on  promiscuous  sit- 


IN  THE  WEST. — SUNSHINE  AND  SHADOWS.  81 


tings  ?  It  was  evident  that  the  conference  would  take  some 
action  in  relation  to  the  matter,  and  that  Mr.  Inskip  would 
have  to  meet  the  issue.  "  My  impression  is,"  he  says,  "  that 
the  conference  will  take  ultra  grounds  on  the  question,  and 
we  shall  all  have  our  hands  full.  The  whole  responsibility 
of  the  matter  will  fall  on  me.  I  shall  be  compelled  to  meet 
the  issue,  while  the  church,  in  a  measure,  will  go  clear.  I 
have  seen  so  much  deception  and  trickery  in  this  region  of 
country,  that  I  really  have  become  heartily  sick  of  the 
whole  concern.  And  but  that  I  fear  I  would  offend  against 
God  and  my  friends,  I  would  change  my  position  without 
any  delay.  However,  I  must  wait  the  openings  of  Provi- 
dence." 

The  quarterly  conference  of  his  church,  at  its  last  session, 
passed  unanimously  the  following  paper  :  — 

"  Dayton,  June  23,  1849. 
"  Whereas,  in  the  kind  providence  of  God,  Bro.  J.  S.  Inskip  has 
been  sent  among  us,  and  stationed  as  pastor  of  Wesley  Chapel  charge, 
and  by  his  untiring  zeal  and  firm  perseverance,  together  with  the  co- 
operation of  his  dear  wife,  our  much-beloved  sister,  M.  J.  Inskip,  has 
caused  to  be  erected  a  fine  and  commodious  chapel  for  the  worship  of 
God,  and  the  accommodation  of  the  congregation  of  the  M.  E.  Church 
in  Dayton,  and  nearly  paid  for;  and  whereas,  since  occupying  the  new 
house  we  have  had  very  large  and  respectable  congregations,  with  the 
best  of  order,  so  that  we  can  truly  say,  we  worship  God  under  our 
own  vine  and  fig-tree,  with  none  to  molest  or  make  us  afraid;  there- 
fore, 

"Resolved,  That  Brc.  J.  S.  and  Sister  M.  J.  Inskip  have,  by  their 
amiability,  Christian  deportment,  and  persuasive  manners,  endeared 
themselves  to  the  congregation,  and  have  our  entire  approval  of  their 
conduct,  as  also  our  warmest  thanks  for  their  labor  of  love  in  the 
cause  of  their  Master." 

The  conference  opened  Sept.  19.  Bishop  Morris  presided. 
To  use  the  language  of  Mr.  Inskip,  "  It  passed  off  very 


82 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


pleasantly.  The  action  taken  in  reference  to  promiscuous 
sittings  was  decisive,  but  prudent  and  mild  ;  indeed,  en- 
tirely satisfactory  to  almost  all  concerned ;  especially  so,  as 
it  was  understood  generally  to  have  no  particular  applica- 
tion to  Dayton."  Whether  this  understanding  of  Mr. 
Inskip  was  that  of  the  conference  generally,  is  open  to 
serious  doubt.  That  he  so  understood  it  there  can  be  no 
question,  but  the  subsequent  action  of  the  conference  in  his 
case  would  indicate  that  they  understood  the  matter  differ- 
ently. 

The  action  of  the  conference  was  far  more  satisfactory 
than  Mr.  Inskip  had  reason  to  expect. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


IN  THE  WEST.—  STORM  GATHERING. 

At  the  close  of  the  conference,  Mr.  Inskip  received  an  ap- 
pointment to  Urbana,  which  was  entirely  satisfactory  to 
him.  From  the  very  commencement  of  his  ministry  in  this 
charge  there  was  promise  of  great  success,  and  it  is  doubt- 
ful if  any  year  of  his  early  ministry  was  more  fruitful  of 
good.    His  heart,  at  times,  was  all  aglow  in  love  and  praise. 

"  Oct.  24.  —  Fine  society  meeting.  It  was  a  most  glorious 
time.  My  soul  was  filled  to  overflowing  with  the  joy  of 
God's  salvation.  I  have  not  been  as  powerfully  blessed  for 
months.    Praise  the  Lord." 

"  Oct.  30. —  I  have  commenced  my  labors  here  under  the 
most  promising  circumstances.  The  Lord,  I  am  persuad- 
ed, has  given  me  favor  with  the  people.  May  grace  be  given 
me  to  use  the  influence  I  may  thence  derive,  to  His  glory 
and  the  good  of  the  church." 

Nothing  occurred  during  the  year  that  Mr.  Inskip  was 
stationed  at  Urbana,  of  unusual  interest,  aside  from  a  most 
widespread  and  intensely  interesting  revival  of  the  work  of 
God.  It  is  doubtful  if  the  town  ever  enjoyed  a  more  re- 
markable work  of  gr  ice.  Meetings  were  held  by  day  and 
night,  and  the  "  revival "  was  the  theme  of  remark  and  in- 
terest among  all  classes. 

Nov.  7. —  Mr  Inskip  says:  "My  faith  increases  every 
time  we  meet  together.    The  Lord,  I  believe,  will  revive 

83 


84 


LIFE  OF  JOHX  S.  IXSKIP. 


His  work.  My  soul  longs  for  a  season  of  overwhelming 
grace.    The  Lord  hasten  it." 

He  went  among  his  people  with  an  earnest  desire  to  do 

them  good. 

Nov.  9. —  "My  visits  among  the  people  are  becoming  more 
an  1  more  profitable  to  my  own  soul.  I  love  to  go  out  and 
spend  my  time  with  them  in  religious  conversation  and 
prayer.  This,  I  find,  is  much  better  for  them  and  me,  than 
the  ordinary  manner  of  visiting  and  whiling  away  an  hour. 
By  this  means,  I  have  an  opportunity  of  ascertaining  the 
spiritual  state  of  my  flock.  I  am  encouraged  to  hope  that 
the  Lord  may  revive  His  work.  I  would,  it  seems  to  me, 
be  enraptured  to  see  believers  sanctified,  and  sinners  awak- 
ened and  converted.  The  Lord  hasten  the  time  when  Zion's 
gates  shall  be  crowded  with  exultant  converts,  when  scores 
and  hundreds  shall  enquire  the  way  to  the  kingdom  of 
God.  If  my  own  feelings  be  any  index  of  the  true  state  of 
things,  "  there  is  a  better  day  coming.'  Indeed,  I  hope  and 
believe  it  is  at  hand." 

On  the  following  Sunday  he  began  to  see  evidences  of  the 
coming  salvation  for  which  he  had  so  ardently  longed.  He 
says :  "  My  soul  was  filled  with  salvation.  I  was  favored 
with  great  liberty  and  enjoyment  in  preaching  morning  and 
night,  and  some  twelve  persons,  or  more,  arose  at  night  to 
solicit  an  interest  in  the  prayers  of  the  church.  The  clouds 
begin  to  move, —  the  morning  dawns.    Bless  the  Lord  !" 

On  Tuesday  night  ten  were  at  the  altar,  and  three  con- 
verted ;  and  on  Friday  evening  the  same  number.  Sunday 
was  one  of  his  poor  days,  but  in  the  evening  twelve  were  at 
the  altar,  and  five  converted.  But  on  Monday  the  cloud 
lifted,  and  he  reported :  "  Love-feast  at  night  was  a  most 
glorious  time.  Near  thirty  came  forward  for  prayers,  and 
some  eight  or  ten  were  converted.  Sixteen  joined  on  pro- 
bation.  It  was  indeed  a  time  that  will  long  be  remembered." 


Z2V  TEE  WEST.  —  STORM  GATHERING. 


85 


Tuesday. —  "  Preached  at  night.  Twenty-one  or  cwo  came 
forward  and  rive  were  converted." 

Wednesday. —  "  Near  twenty  forward,  five  or  six  conver- 
sions and  four  accessions.  Truly  the  Lord  was  there.  I 
know  not  that  I  ever  witnessed  a  more  striking  manifesta- 
tion of  Divine  power.    The  work  seems  to  be  extending." 

Sunday  was  a  great  day  in  Urbana.  "  I  eudeavored  to 
preach  at  night.  It  was  a  day  of  unprecedented  power  and 
mercy.  Over  thirty  were  at  the  altar.  Twenty-eight  joined 
on  probation.  Verily,  a  second  Pentecost  has  come  upon 
us." 

Following  a  love-feast  on  Monday  night,  about  sixty  were 
at  the  altar,  and  many  were  converted.  The  wife  of  a  cer- 
tain judge  in  the  town  became  powerfully  awakened,  and 
came  to  the  altar  seeking  pardon,  and  so  great  was  her  dis- 
tress, and  so  determined  her  purpose,  that  she  would  not 
leave  the  place  until  converted.  There  she  remained  until 
eleven  o'clock  at  night,  with  only  five  to  accompany  her. 
At  last  Mr.  Inskip  prayed,  and  it  was  such  a  prayer  as  he 
has  been  heard  to  offer  under  peculiar  circumstances. 
Heaven  and  earth  seemed  to  meet.  The  blessing  came. 
Mrs.  Y.  arose  and  said  :  "  I  have  been  seeking  the  Lord 
for  some  time.  I  have  found  JVsus  in  the  pardon  of  my 
sins.  Oh,  how  I  love  Jesus  !  and  how  I  love  this  mourner's 
bencdi !  "  And  then  turning  towards  her  husband,  who  had 
been  an  interested  observer,  said,  "  I  love  you,  dear  husband ; 
I  love  you,  dear  father  and  mother ;  I  love  you,  dear  brother 
and  sister  Inskip:  but  I  love  this  mourner's  bench  more  than 
you  all.  And  if  I  could,  I  would  take  it  up  and  carry  it 
through  the  streets  of  Urbana."  Mr.  H.  gives  up  his 
"  brewery,"  and  with  his  whole  family  is  converted  and  be- 
comes a  consistent  Christian. 

"  Friday,  30. —  Held  a  love-feast  at  night.  There  were 
some  thirty-three  or  five  forward  for  prayers,r—  twelve  con- 


86 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


versions  and  ten  accessions.  Among  those  converted  was 
the  most  noted  infidel  in  the  place.  It  was  generally  con- 
ceded that  this  is  the  best  time  we  have  had  since  the  work 
commenced.    And  to  me  it  seems  perfectly  wonderful." 

The  infidel,  to  whom  reference  is  here  made,  was  attracted 
to  Mr.  Inskip,  and  often  came  to  hear  him  preach.  In 
private  conversation  he  remarked,  "I  wish  I  was  as  happv 
as  you  are,  Mr.  Inskip.  I  would  give  the  world  if  I  were.'- 
"  You  can  be  as  happy  as  I  am,"  said  Mr.  Inskip.  "  How  ?  " 
asked  the  skeptic.  "  By  believing  as  I  do,"  was  the  ready 
response.  "  That  is  impossible,  Mr.  Inskip,  I  cannot,  I  am  an 
infidel."    Mr.  Inskip  had  never  suspected  this  of  his  friend. 

On  the  evening  referred  to,  Mr.  Inskip  exhorted  the  peo- 
ple with  great  force  to  seek  God.  Pausing,  he  said,  "  Per- 
haps there  is  a  man  present  who  says,  '  I  do  not  believe  in  a 
God.'  Well,"  shouted  Mr.  I.,  "  come  and  trust  in  the  God 
in  whom  I  believe,  and  I  pledge  my  faith  that  He  will  save 
you."  The  infidel  listened  with  a  heart  full  of  desire,  and 
at  such  an  invitation,  arose  and  bowed  at  the  altar.  As  he 
saw  him  coming  up  the  aisle,  Mr.  Inskip  felt  almost  alarmed 
at  his  own  statement.  But  his  skeptical  friend  was  there, 
and  he  must  meet  the  issue.  He  exhorted  the  people  to 
pray  to  God.  and  they  earnestly  prayed.  Presently  his 
friend  beckoned  to  him  to  come  to  him.  As  he  knelt  before 
him,  he  said,  "  I  have  found  it !  I  have  found  it ! "  "  Found 
what  ?  "  inquired  the  greatly  excited  preacher.  "  I  have 
found  that  there  is  a  God,  and  that  the  Scriptures  are  a 
revelation  from  God,  and  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Son  of 
God  ! "  "  And,"  shouted  Mr.  Inskip,  "  He  is  your  Saviour." 
And  instantly  the  infidel  arose,  saved  by  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ. 

Thursday,  Dec.  6,  Mr.  Inskip  says :  "  I  was  very  sin- 
gularly exercised  during  the  meeting.  It  seemed  to  me  the 
Spirit  was  about  to  take  His  everlasting  departure  from 


IN  THE  WEST. — STORM  GATHERING.  87 


severa]  in  the  congregation.  I  never  felt  more  distressed. 
After  much  groaning  in  spirit,  I  named  my  fears  to  the 
people.  We  then  knelt  in  prayer,  and  spent  some  time  in 
silent  invocation  to  God,  that  the  Holy  bp. tit  might  linger 
for  a  season  with  the  unconverted.  There  was  a  remarkable 
answer  to  prayer.  I  felt  it  in  my  soul,  and  I  shall  not  be 
surprised  if  we  see  a  great  many  more  awakened  and  con- 
verted. The  Lord  grant  it  may  be  even  so !  It  will  be 
awful  if  sinners  permit  this  opportunity  of  mercy  to  pass 
away  unimproved.  Indeed,  if  they  should  do  this,  it  is  to 
be  feared  that  '  mercy  will  be  clean  gone  forever.'  Hence, 
it  appears  to  me  we  should  make  every  possible  effort  to 
6ave  them  now.  With  many  of  them  it  will  be  '  now,  or 
never,'  consequently  I  fear  to  close  this  meeting,  although 
our  people  are  much  fatigued  and  need  rest.  Indeed,  I 
ought  to  rest,  myself ;  and  my  family,  especially  my  wife, 
needs  rest.  But  if  I  should  close,  my  convictions  are,  many 
souls  will  be  left  to  work  out  their  damnation  with  greediness. 
Oh,  how  responsible  is  my  position  I  How  much  I  require 
Divine  direction !    May  the  Holy  Spirit  guide  me  aright ! " 

On  the  following  Sunday,  he  says :  "  Preached  three 
times ;  favored  with  much  liberty.  It  was  a  glorious  day, 
—  the  greatest,  all  things  considered,  I  have  ever  seen.  I 
cannot  tell  when  I  have  had  such  a  season.  Many,  I  trust, 
it  will  be  seen,  were  awakened.  The  work,  it  appears,  is 
breaking  out  afresh."  But  on  the  seventeenth  of  the  month 
it  was  judged  advisable  to  suspend  the  extra  services. 

As  the  new  year  (1850)  opened,  the  good  work  took  a  new 
start.  On  the  ninth  of  January,  he  writes :  "  It  seems 
that  the  tide  of  salvation  is  rising.  I  never  was  favored 
with  more  enjoyment  or  greater  success  than  I  have  had 
in  Urbana."  There  had  been  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
conversions,  and  when  the  Sabbath  arrived  for  receiving 
such  of  this  company  into  full  membership,  as  had  been 


88 


LIFE  OF  JOHX  S.  IXSKIP. 


accepted,  it  proved  to  be  a  day  of  great  joy  to  the  people. 
After  a  stirring  sermon  by  Mr.  Inskip,  the  probationers  — 
one  hundred  and  eleven  —  were  called  up.  Every  available 
spot  inside  and  outside  the  altar,  as  well  as  in  the  aisles, 
was  filled  with  the  candidates.  One  who  was  present,  says : 
"  The  songs  of  praise  and  the  shouts  of  joy  surpassed  any- 
thing I  had  ever  witnessed." 

April  17,  Mr.  Inskip  says  :  "  Our  prosperity  here  is  abun- 
dant cause  of  the  most  profound  gratitude.  Praise  the  Lord 
for  His  goodness  !  It  seems  to  me  I  never  can  feel  grateful 
enough  for  these  instances  of  loving-kindness."  Expres- 
sions of  gratitude  to  God  are  often  repeated,  but  never 
without  humbling  views  of  his  own  unworthiness. 

As  the  conference  year  drew  towards  a  close,  Mr.  Inskip 
becomes  a  little  anxious,  as  well  as  a  little  unsettled,  with 
reference  to  his  appointment.  He  was  not  certain  but  he 
should  return  to  the  Philadelphia  Conference.  But  "  in  so 
weighty  a  matter,"  he  writes,  "  I  feel  there  is  much  re- 
sponsibility. I  would  on  no  account  be  found  out  of  the 
path  appointed  by  Providence."  And  yet,  he  admits  that 
his  "  mind  is  much  exercised  in  regard  to  the  matter." 

There  was  a  small,  struggling  church,  in  Springfield,  0., 
which  had  commenced  the  erection  of  a  house  of  worship, 
but  were  not  able  to  finish.  The  walls  were  partly  up,  and 
there  seemed  no  way  to  complete  it  unless  some  such  in- 
domitable worker,  as  Mr.  Inskip  was  known  to  be,  could  be 
sent  to  them  A  strong  case  was  made  out ;  and  although 
the  Urbana  church  objected  to  his  removal,  it  was  judged 
best  to  make  the  change.  The  conference  met  at  Chillicothe, 
and  Mr.  Inskip  was  appointed  to  the  High  St.  Church, 
Springfield. 

In  regard  to  this  appointment,  he  says :  "  f  trust  this  may 
prove  a  great  blessing  to  all  concerned.  I  am  persuaded  it 
will,  provided  I  do  my  duty,  and  this  I  hope  I  may  be  able 


IN  THE  WEST.  —  STORM  GATHERING. 


89 


to  do.  I  never  felt  more  the  need  of  the  Divine  help. 
Indeed,  I  may  say,  I  never  enjoyed  a  more  clear  assurance 
that  the  Lord  will  make  bare  His  arm." 

Of  his  first  Sabbath,  he  writes :  "  Sunday,  Oct.  6. — 
Preached  morning  and  evening.  Favored  with  a  good  time 
in  both  instances.  The  congregation  was  larger  than  I  an- 
ticipated. The  singing  was  most  excellent.  The  Sabbath- 
school  was  quite  promising  in  appearance.  Altogether  a 
favorable  impression  was  made  upon  our  minds  relative  to 
Springfield." 

He  enters  into  the  church-building  enterprise  at  once.  A 
meeting  of  the  official  members  was  called,  and  a  "fir.st-rate, 
enthusiastic  time,"  it  was.  He  expected,  and  indeed  had,  a 
vast  amount  of  trouble,  but  was  much  more  successful  in 
the  end  than  he  or  his  people  anticipated.  "  It  will  prove," 
he  says,  "  a  source  of  great  perplexity  and  care,  but  this  is 
as  I  expected." 

He  made  his  first  public  effort  to  raise  money  for  his 
church  on  Sunday,  the  20th.  He  says:  "At  the  close  of 
the  sermon,  I  introduced  the  subject  of  our  new  church.  I 
never  more  earnestly  desired,  or  more  sincerely  prayed,  for 
help  and  direction  from  above.  I  felt,  indeed,  that  a  crisis 
had  come.  And  truly  the  Lord  did  help.  Including  five 
hundred  dollars  I  subscribed  on  behalf  of  the  ladies,  there 
were  some  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  obtained  for 
the  completion  of  the  building.  Everybody  seemed  to  be 
astonished  and  delighted.    Praise  the  Lord  ! " 

The  ladies  held  a  public  fair,  from  which  they  realized 
some  six  hundred  dollars,  which  greatly  astonished  the  peo- 
ple. Mrs.  Inskip  went  among  the  people,  and  was  remark- 
ably successful  in  collecting  money.  All  hands  seemed  to 
enter  into  the  plan,  and  all  worked  with  a  will. 

He  met  with  one  man  in  his  church,  of  whom  he  gives 
the  following  account,  which  may  be  of  some  interest  to  the 
reader : — 


90 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


"  Thursday,  31. —  Spent  a  very  pleasant  afternoon  at  Bro. 
M's.  Quite  favorably  impressed  with  him  and  his  family. 
He  is  a  local  minister,  and  has  been,  I  presume,  a  useful 
man.  He  seems  devoted  to  the  interests  of  Methodism,  and 
is  unusually  liberal  in  his  support  of  the  church.  Perhaps, 
all  things  considered,  he  has  subscribed  as  much,  if  not 
more,  than  any  other  man,  to  our  new  church.  He  is,  how- 
ever, very  eccentric.  On  a  certain  occasion,  some  years  ago, 
when  on  his  way,  afoot,  to  his  appointment  a  few  miles  in 
the  country,  being  in  a  rather  gloomy  mood,  he  wrote  as  he 
walked  along  the  following  lines,  designed  as  his  epitaph. 
The  whole  was  perfectly  original,  and  was  suggested  at  the 
moment :  — 

"  Here  lies  a  man  —  a  curious  one: 
No  one  can  tell  what  good  he's  done, 

Nor  yet  how  much  of  evil; 
Nor  where  his  soul  is  —  who  can  tell  — 
In  heaven  ahove,  or  low  —  in  hell  — 

WitD  God,  or  with  the  devil  ? 

"  While  living  here,  he  oft  would  say- 
That  he  must  shortly  turn  to  clay, 

And  quickly  rot. 
This  thought  would  sometimes  cross  his  brain, 
That  he  perhaps  might  live  again, 
And  maybe  not. 

"  As  sure  as  he  in  dust  doth  lie, 
He  died  because  he  had  to  die; 

But  much  against  his  will: 
Had  he  got  all  that  he  desired, 
This  man  would  never  have  expired  — 

He  had  been  living  still." 

There  are  some  infidel  doubts  about  this,  but  on  the 
whole,  it  is  rather  a  meritorious  and  curious  affair. " 
Amidst  his  extraordinary  labors,  Mr.  Inskip  had  times  of 


IN  THE  WEST. — STORM  GATHERING.  91 


sore  trial  and  depression  of  spirits.  Of  one  of  these  he 
writes :  — 

"  Sunday,  27. —  I  preached  from  '  Ought  not  Christ  to 
have  suffered  these  things  and  to  have  entered  into  His 
glory  ? '  I  left  church  more  depressed  than  I  have  been 
for  a  long,  long  time.  It  seemed  to  me  I  lost  all  command 
of  myself,  and  at  once  gave  up  to  gloom,  and  despond- 
ency. In  the  afternoon  I  met  Bro.  Old's  class.  There 
were  not  many  out,  but  we  had  a  blessed  time.  My  mind 
was  very  much  relieved.  Indeed,  I  may  say,  I  never  felt  a 
more  striking  deliverance." 

He  became  greatly  encouraged  by  the  prospects  of  a  re- 
vival. Sunday,  Jan.  19,  1851,  he  writes  :  "  I  felt  unusually 
encouraged  to  look  unto  God  for  a  revival  of  religion  in  my 
own  heart,  and  among  the  members  of  my  church.  The 
same  feeling  continued  all  day.  I  was  favored  with  much 
freedom  in  discoursing  upon  the  duty  and  encouragements 
to  prayer.  It  really  seems  to  me  that  the  '  set  time  to 
favor  Zion,'  is  come.  My  faith  is  strong.  I  hope  to  see  a 
great  ingathering  of  souls." 

"  Wednesday,  22. —  Begin  to  feel  entirely  at  home.  At 
night  we  held  a  general  class-meeting.  It  was  certainly  the 
best  meeting  of  the  sort  I  ever  attended.  The  indications 
of  a  revival  are  very  encouraging  indeed.  All  our  people 
seem  to  have  received  a  revival  spirit.  The  heavens  seem 
ready  to  shower  down  upon  us  the  power  and  riches  of 
Divine  grace." 

An  example  of  the  special  presence  and  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  occurred  on  Friday,  the  24th  of  the  month.  He 
says :  "  This  has  been  one  of  the  greatest  days  I  have 
ever  seen.  In  the  morning  I  went  into  the  high  school 
and  conducted  the  opening  exercises.  I  then  went  into  the 
church  and  attended  to  some  items  of  business,  intending 
to  go  subsequently  into  the  country.    As  I  passed  along  the 


92 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


street  I  received  a  message  from  Bro.  Howard,  requesting 
me  immediately  to  repair  to  the  high  school.  I  went 
without  delay  and  found  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  the  institu- 
tion such  a  scene  as  I  never  witnessed  before.  There  were 
over  thirty  of  the  young  ladies  and  smaller  children,  weep- 
iDg  and  crying  aloud  for  mercy.  The  exercises  of  the  in- 
stitution were  suspended.  We  held  a  meeting  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  students  in  the  afternoon.  I  presume,  during  the 
day,  there  were  some  eighteen  converted.  At  night  we 
held  a  society  meeting.  There  were  some  eight  or  ten  more 
converted,  making  in  all  some  thirty  conversions  during 
the  day.  Twenty  joined  society.  I  never  knew  such  a  work. 
To  God  be  all  the  glory, —  glory,  glory  in  the  highest !  My 
soul  is  unspeakably  happy." 

From  this  manifestation  of  Divine  power,  the  work  spread 
into  the  town.  It  was  a  time  of  great  excitement.  He 
says : — 

"  Saturday,  25. —  Providence  seems  to  smile  upon  us  in 
every  way.  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  His  good- 
ness and  loving  kindness  toward  us.  I  never  felt  more 
grateful.  Both  our  spiritual  and  temporal  affairs  are  in 
such  a  prosperous  state,  that  I  know  not  where  to  begin 
the  praise  of  our  heavenly  Father.  The  excitement  con- 
tinues unabated.  Indeed,  it  is  on  the  increase  rather  than 
otherwise.  We  had  meeting  both  afternoon  and  night.  In 
each  instance  God  was  with  us  in  great  power.  Some  twelve 
souls  were  happily  converted,  and  among  them  were  some 
of  the  most  striking  instances  of  God's  grace  and  power,  I 
have  ever  seen. 

"  Saturday,  Feb.  1. —  Our  meetings  have  been  going  on 
with  increasing  interest  and  power.  I  have  never  spent  a 
more  happy  and  successful  week.  Truly  the  Lord  has  been 
good  and  merciful  to  us  ;  up  to  last  night  we  have  had  about 
eighty-eight  conversions,  and  seventy-seven  accessions.  To 
God  be  all  the  glory ! " 


IN  TEE  WEST.  —  STORM  GATEERING. 


93 


For  nearly  two  months,  lie  makes  no  entry  in  his  journal, 
and  gives  as  a  reason  for  it  that  he  had  been  engaged  in 
writing  a  book,  entitled,  "  Methodism  Explained  and  De- 
fended." "The  work  is  now  in  press,"  he  says  (March  19), 
"  and  will  be  out  in  a  few  weeks.  It  will  produce  consider- 
able excitement,  but  it  will  do  good,  I  hope."  We  shall 
have  occasion  to  refer  to  this  book  in  another  chapter. 

Mrs.  Inskip,  about  this  time,  took  a  journey  East,  having 
two  objects  in  view  —  the  improvement  of  her  health,  which 
had  become  more  or  less  impaired,  and  the  raising  of  funds 
to  furnish  the  new  church. 

If  Mr.  Inskip  ever  had  the  "  blues  "  badly,  it  was  when 
his  wife  was  absent.  During  her  absence  at  this  time  they 
came  upon  him. 

"  May  3. —  Feel  melancholy  in  consequence  of  my  wife's 
absence,  I  cannot  tell  why  it  is  so,  but  it  really  seems  to 
me  I  cannot  be  happy  unless  I  have  her  society.  How 
miserable  I  would  be  if  she  were  taken  from  me." 

To  the  absence  of  his  wife  was  added  his  personal  finan- 
cial embarrassments.  He  writes :  "  Quite  gloomy  all  day. 
Indeed,  I  never  felt  so  depressed  in  spirit  concerning  my 
pecuniary  embarrassments.  The  stinted  support  meted  out 
by  our  church  for  her  ministers  is  by  no  means  sufficient 
for  the  supply  of  the  ordinary  wants  of  life ;  much  less 
for  the  peculiar  expenditures  of  a  traveling  preacher.  I 
meditated  upon  this  subject  until  I  became  almost  over- 
whelmed. This,  of  course,  was  all  wrong,  and  very  foolish. 
The  Lord  hitherto  has  opened  my  way,  and  will  still  direct 
my  steps." 

He  does  not,  however,  recover  from  this  feeling.  On 
the  seventeenth  of  the  same  month,  he  says :  "  My  mind 
has  been  very  much  exercised  for  some  time  past  in  refer- 
ence to  my  pecuniary  matters.  The  limited  support  I  have 
received  since  my  residence  in  this  place,  together  with 


94 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


numerous  cares  and  responsibilities  of  the  new  church,  has 
so  entirely  dispirited  me,  that  I  cannot  tell  what  to  do. 
Despite  anything  I  do,  the  difficulty  to  my  own  mind  be- 
comes constantly  greater  and  more  perplexing,  and  some- 
times is  so  very  discouraging  that  I  am  ready  to  give  up. 
This,  however,  is  a  suggestion  of  the  adversary  which  I 
pray  I  may  have  grace  to  resist." 

Monday,  23,  he  further  writes :  "  During  all  the  day,  much 
depressed  in  spirit  concerning  pecuniary  matters.  This,  I 
fear,  will  yet  be  attended  with  much  unpleasantness  to  my- 
self and  my  dear  family.  I  see  no  possible  way  for  me  to 
continue  in  the  work  unless  I  am  better  supported.  I  sup- 
pose the  evil  could  be  remedied  if  I  could  adopt  a  more 
rigid  system  of  economy ;  but  how  I  am  to  do  this,  I  know 
not.  The  truth  is,  I  am  almost  shorn  of  my  strength,  and 
which  way  to  turn  for  help  I  know  not.  In  the  midst  of 
all  I  reproach  myself  with  a  cold  heart." 

Further,  in  the  same  vein,  he  says  :  "  Mrs.  Inskip  has 
not  yet  arrived;  begin  to  feel  very  uneasy.  Should  any- 
thing happen  to  her  it  will  be  a  mournful  circumstance. 
The  church  will,  in  that  event,  cost  me  a  price  too  great. 
Sometimes  I  have  felt  very  sorry  that  I  did  not  resist  the 
proposition  for  her  to  leave,  but  I  wanted  to  give  her  an 
opportunity  to  see  her  friends,  and  hoped,  also,  that  the 
same  time  she  might  further  the  interests  of  the  church." 

He  soon  heard  of  her  safe  arrival  in  Cincinnati,  and  re- 
joiced, in  a  day  or  two,  to  greet  her,  in  improved  health,  at 
their  own  home. 

The  following  Sunday  was  to  him  a  good  day.  "  Indeed, 
it  was  a  day  of  precious  and  unusual  religious  enjoyment. 
My  own  heart  was  materially  improved  and  encouraged.  I 
have  not  felt  so  much  in  the  spirit  of  revival  and  progress 
for  a  long  time." 

The  church  was  at  last  completed,  and  on  the  twenty- 


IN  THE  WEST. — STORM  GATHERING.  95 


seventh  of  July,  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God. 
The  services  passed  off  pleasantly.  Messrs.  Miley  and 
Strickland  preached  on  this  occasion.  Mr.  Inskip  says: 
"  They  made  a  fine  impression."  The  congregations  were 
large,  and  the  collection  and  subscriptions  amounted  to 
nearly  six  hundred  dollars. 

It  had  been  resolved  by  the  trustees  to  introduce  into  the 
new  church  the  plan  of  "  promiscuous  sitting"  ;  by  which  is 
meant,  that  male  and  female  could  occupy  the  same  pew. 
This  was  regarded  as  a  great  innovation  in  Western  Metho- 
dism, though  it  had  been  practiced  in  the  East  for  many 
years. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees,  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  In- 
skip, but  not  without  his  knowledge,  they  passed  the  follow- 
ing preamble  and  resolutions,  upon  this  subject :  — 

"  Whereas,  It  has  been  ascertained  that  a  large  number  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church  and  congregation  connected  with  the  High  Street 
M.  E.  Church,  desire  to  adopt  the  custom  of  families  sitting  together, 
during  the  seasons  of  public  worship,  and 

"  Whereas,  In  the  judgment  of  the  Board,  those  among  us  who  de- 
sire so  to  do,  should  be  permitted  to  enjoy  a  privilege  allowed  to  con- 
gregations of  the  M.  E.  Church  elsewhere ;  and 

"  Whereas,  Further,  we  are  fully  persuaded,  that  the  adoption  of 
said  custom,  will  promote  the  interests  of  Methodism  in  this  city, 
therefore, 

"  1.  Resolved,  That  hereafter,  those  of  the  members  of  our  church 
and  congregation,  who  may  be  inclined  to  sit  with  their  families,  are 
hereby  authorized  to  occupy  seats,  according  to  such  method  of  choice 
as  may  be  mutually  agreed  upon,  and  that  for  the  use  of  the  pews  or 
seats  thus  chosen,  no  charge  or  tax  shall  be  made. 

"2.  Resolved,  That  in  adopting  the  foregoing  preamble  and  reso- 
lutions, it  is  the  sense  of  the  Board  that  no  one  is  required  contrary 
to  his  own  preference  to  sit  with  his  family,  and  that  all  of  our  mem- 
bers who  desire  it,  may  sit  according  to  the  custom  they  have  hereto- 
fore observed. 

"3.  Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  be  read  on  Sabbath  morning 
next,  in  the  public  congregation. 
"  Springfield,  Ohio,  July  17, 1851." 


96 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


These  resolutions  were  read  from  the  pulpit  on  the 
following  Sunday.  Of  this  action,  Mr.  Inskip  says : 
"  Learning  that  they  contemplated  acting  upon  the  question 
of  '  promiscuous  sitting,'  I  deemed  it  advisable  and  proper 
for  me  to  be  absent.  After  I  left,  the  board,  by  a  vote  of 
six  to  one,  determined  to  adopt  this  system.  So  the  Rubicon 
has  been  passed.  The  war  has  fairly  commenced.  What 
the  end  will  be  I  cannot  tell." 

The  adoption  of  this  plan  of  "promiscuous  sitting,"  was 
the  cause  of  very  great  excitement  in  the  community. 
Many  in  the  church  stoutly  opposed  it,  regarding  it  as  the 
beginning  of  an  innovation  which  would  prove  the  utter 
overthrow  of  Methodism.  Both  parties  were  honest  in 
their  convictions,  and  both  meant  the  best  interests  of  the 
church. 

"  Excitement  concerning  1  promiscuous  sitting,'  "  he  says, 
"  very  great.  To  me  it  is  the  strangest  thing  under  the 
sun,  that  a  body  of  Christians  should  make  so  much  ado 
about  so  small  a  matter.  It  is  a  lamentable  instance  of 
consummate  folly,  to  which  even  sincere  Christians  may  be 
led,  in  contending  about  things  of  little  moment.  It  is 
enough  to  make  the  heart  of  an  intelligently  pious  man 
weep." 

In  the  midst  of  this  excitement,  he  addressed  his  people 
on  the  subject  of  the  success  of  Methodism  in  the  town, 
and  explained  to  them  the  advantages,  yea,  the  absolute  ne- 
cessity, of  union.  "  Despite,"  he  says,  "  my  views  of  the 
action  of  the  Ohio  Conference  (meaning  their  action  at 
Dayton,  two  years  before),  I  deem  it  my  duty  to  direct  the 
attention  of  the  church  thereto,  and  advise  the  members  of 
my  charge  to  take  a  course,  which  will  not  in  the  least,  for 
the  present,  conflict  therewith.  In  doing  this,  I  shall  need 
all  the  wisdom  and  caution  possible  for  me  to  obtain.  Oh, 
may  the  Lord  aid  and  direct  me  I " 


IN  THE  WEST. —STORM  GATHERING. 


07 


In  this  state  of  things  the  conference  year  closed.  The 
following  chapter  carries  Mr.  Inskip  through  the  stormiest 
period  of  his  ministerial  life. 


CHAPTEE  VIII. 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 

We  desire,  in  as  brief  a  manner  as  possible,  to  record  the 
peculiar  events,  which  had  more  to  do  in  bringing  Mr.  In- 
skip  prominently  before  the  church,  and  giving  him  an 
honorable  position  among  his  brethren,  than  any  other  acta 
of  his  early  ministerial  life.  It  not  only  opened  his  way 
to  a  wider  field  of  usefulness  than  he  had  ever  enjoyed,  but 
it  changed  the  whole  economy  of  the  church,  in  regard  to 
an  important  practice. 

Mr.  Inskip  seems  to  have  been  impelled  by  a  conviction 
that  he  was  doing  what  would,  in  all  time  to  come,  be  of 
incalculable  importance  to  the  church.  He  could  see  neither 
reason  nor  advantage  in  men  and  women  being  compelled 
to  sit  apart  in  the  house  of  God.  He  firmly  believed  that 
the  practice  was  a  hindrance  to  Methodism,  and  ought  to  be 
abandoned.  Those  who  differed  from  him  and  opposed  his 
views, —  and  they  constituted  the  great  majority  of  his  con- 
ference, —  were  fully  persuaded  that  they  were  doing  God's 
service.  They  were  impressed  that  no  greater  calamity 
could  befall  the  Methodist  Church,  than  for  males  and  fe- 
males to  occupy  the  same  pew  in  the  house  of  God,  or  what 
was  familiarly  known  as  "  family  sittings."  Some,  it  was 
alleged,  went  so  far  as  to  aver  that  such  a  state  of  things 
would  turn  the  house  of  God  into  a  "house  of  assigna- 
tion."   At  this  distance  from  the  scene,  one  can  scarcely 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 


99 


make  it  seem  possible  that  such  sentiments  could  have  been 
entertained,  or  that  any  special  objection  to  the  custom 
could  have  existed.  But  we  all  know  how  difficult  it  has 
ever  been  to  change  long-established  customs.  This  is  wise, 
for  were  it  otherwise,  good  customs  might  easily  be  dis- 
placed by  bad  ones. 

In  order  that  the  reader  may  understand  the  action  of 
the  conference  in  Mr.  Inskip's  case,  it  is  necessary  that  we 
trace  briefly  the  history  of  this  movement. 

In  1843,  the  members  of  Ninth  St.  Church,  Cincinnati, 
proposed  to  introduce  family  sittings  into  their  congrega- 
tion. A  very  large  number  of  the  members  favored  the 
plan,  in  order  to  accommodate  those  who  desired  to  sit  with 
their  families.  The  measure,  however,  meeting  with  so 
much  opposition,  was  for  the  time  abandoned. 

In  1847,  several  meetings  were  held  by  laymen,  to  see 
what  could  be  done  to  secure  the  erection  of  a  pewed  Method- 
ist church  in  the  city.  This  movement  in  Cincinnati,  in 
connection  with  a  rumor  that  such  a  church  was  to  be 
erected  in  Dayton,  where  Mr.  Inskip  was  pastor,  induced 
the  Ohio  Conference  to  pass,  by  a  very  large  majority,  some 
most  stringent  resolutions  on  the  subject.  The  second  reso- 
lution read  as  follows :  — 

"  That  any  member  of  this  conference  who  will  aid,  counsel,  or  in 
any  way  encourage  the  building  of  a  pewed  church  in  this  conference, 
is  aiding,  counselling,  or  encouraging  the  breach  of  a  plain  rule  of 
discipline,  and  will  be  held  responsible  to  this  body  for  his  conduct." 

In  case  such  a  church  is  erected,  they  "  respectfully " 
request  the  Bishop  "  not  to  appoint  any  preacher  to  serve 
them." 

A  few  months  subsequent  to  the  passage  of  these  resolu- 
tions, there  was  organized  in  Cincinnati  a  pewed-church 
society,  and  several  thousand  dollars  were  subscribed  for  the 


100 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


purpose  of  building  such  a  church.  This  was  finally,  as  a 
peace  measure,  abandoned.  In  1^48,  the  new  church  in  Day- 
ton was  dedicated,  which  was  the  first  church  in  the  confer- 
ence in  which  families  were  allowed  to  sit  together.  About 
the  same  time  a  similar  movement  was  attempted  in  Wesley 
Chapel,  Cincinnati.  A  goodly  number  of  the  members  made 
application  to  the  trustees  for  permission  to  occupy  the 
church  in  this  manner  during  public  services.  Though  a 
majority  of  the  trustees  favored  the  plan,  such  was  the  op- 
position to  it,  that  it  was  determined  to  waive  the  question 
for  the  time  being.  In  the  meantime  the  conference  held 
its  session  in  Dayton,  where  the  subject  of  promiscuous 
sittings  was  introduced,  and  referred  to  a  committee  of  five. 
Their  report  was  readily  adopted,  the  second  resolution 
reading  as  follows  :  — 

"  Resolved,  That  the  preachers  of  the  Ohio  Conference  are  expected 
and  required  to  use  all  their  personal  and  pastoral  influence,  if  need 
be,  to  secure  the  observance  in  all  our  churches  of  the  rule,  '  Let  the 
men  and  women  s:».  »r»-' 

In  Cincinnati  the  conflict  continued.  The  brethren  at 
Wesley  Chapel  desiring  { he  change,  finding  that  there  was 
no  probability  of  accompli  ;hing  their  purpose  there,  in  order 
to  avoid  difficulty,  took  their  church  letters  and  united  with 
the  Ninth  Street  charge.  About  this  time  a  society  was 
formed  of  members  from  the  different  Methodist  churches 
in  the  city,  denominated  "  Union  Chapel."  This  society 
purchased  "  Grace  Church,"  repaired  it,  and  dedicated  it  to 
the  service  of  Almighty  God.  A  large  Sunday-school 
and  congregation  were  collected,  and  an  application  was 
made  to  the  bishop  for  a  pastor.  In  view  of  the  action  <  f 
the  conference,  the  request  of  the  church  was  not  granted. 

In  1850,  "  Union  Chapel "  petitioned  the  annual  confer- 
ence, held  that  year  in  Chillicothe,  to  repeal  or  modify  their 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 


101 


action,  as  it  was  believed  that  the  conference  had  tran- 
scended its  legitimate  authority  by  embarrassing  the  action 
of  the  episcopacy.  The  petition  or  memorial  was  signed 
by  nearly  seventy  official  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  in 
Cincinnati,  exclusive  of  those  connected  with  "  Union 
Chapel." 

When  this  document  came  before  the  conference,  it  was 
referred  to  a  committee  of  five  without  reading.  The  com- 
mittee was  unable  to  agree,  and  two  reports  were  presented, 
and  the  minority  was  adopted,  refusing  the  petition. 

The  brethren  of  "  Union  Chapel  "  agreed  that  they  would 
neither  "  rent  nor  sell "  the  pews  in  their  church,  until  the 
question  should  be  settled  by  the  General  Conference,  and 
that  they  would  deed  it  to  the  Methodist  Church  in  accord- 
ance with  the  provisions  of  the  Discipline.  Whereupon  the 
presiding  bishop  announced,  that  in  view  of  the  fact  that 
the  society  had  waived  the  question  of  rented  pews,  and 
agreed  to  deed  the  church,  etc.,  that  the  way  was  open  for  a 
preacher  to  be  sent  to  them.  This  decision  of  the  bishop 
produced  very  great  excitement  in  the  conference.  Various 
resolutions  were  passed,  which  we  have  not  space  nor  incli- 
nation to  insert  here.  In  view  of  this  state  of  things,  the 
bishop  finally  declined  making  an  appointment  to  "  Union 
Chapel." 

The  following  year  the  High  Street  charge,  Springfield, 
Mr.  Inskip  pastor,  completed  their  new  house  of  worship, 
and  according  to  the  original  purpose  of  the  trustees,  intro- 
duced the  custom  of  "  family  sittings,"  At  the  following, 
annual  conference,  holding  its  session  in  Springfield,  there 
was,  as  might  naturally  be  expected,  no  little  excitement 
over  the  innovation. 

It  was  insisted  that  at  the  time,  or  after  the  passage  of 
the  resolutions  before  referred  to,  Mr.  Inskip,  in  some  way 
declared  "  that  now,  knowing  the  views  of  the  conference 


102 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


on  the  subject  of  pews  and  family  sittings,  he  would  en- 
deavor to  conform  his  administration  to  the  expressed 
wishes  of  the  conference."  This  Mr.  Inskip  denied,  saying] 
he  did  not  so  understand  the  matter.  At  Springfield  the 
same  thing  had  been  repeated. 

Added  to  this  offense  of  aiding  in  the  introduction  of 
family  sittings  in  the  church,  Mr.  Inskip  had,  in  the  mean- 
time, written  a  book,  which  was  regarded  as  not  only  an 
attack  upon  Methodism,  but  a  "  contumacious  treatment  of 
the  conference."  The  book  was  entitled  "  Methodism 
Explained  and  Defended." 

The  work  was  divided  into  fifteen  chapters,  as  follows : 
"  Hints  to  the  Reader  ;  "  "  John  Wesley ;  "  "  Methodism  ; " 
"  Methodism  in  America ;  "  "  Doctrines  of  Methodism ;  " 
"  Discipline  of  Methodism  ;  "  "  Episcopacy  ; "  "  Presiding 
Elders ; "  "  Itinerancy ; "  "  Local  Preachers ;  "  "  Officiality ; " 
"  The  Laity  ;  "  "  Methodism  Aggressive ; "  "  Methodism 
Progressive  ;  "  "  Results  and  Prospects." 

In  the  chapter  on  "  Discipline,"  he  comes  to  the  pew 
question,  discussing  it  in  its  disciplinary  aspects.  He 
claimed  that  the  language  of  the  Discipline  respecting  free 
seats,  could  not  be  regarded  in  the  light  of  an  unbending 
law,  but  simply  advisory,  as  there  was  no  penalty  attached 
to  its  violation.  The  practice  having  prevailed,  and  always 
unrebuked  by  any  official  action  except  that  of  the  Ohio 
Conference,  which  was  not  a  legislative  body,  the  laity  had 
the  right  to  judge  for  themselves  when  they  could  or  could  not 
follow  the  disciplinary  advice.  No  objection  was  urged  to 
free  seats,  and  no  preference  is  given  to  pews  ;  he  simply 
showed  that  the  hitter  could  not  be  regarded  as  an  innova- 
tion upon  Methodism. 

The  Christian  Advocate,  in  noticing  the  book,  said :  "  The 
discussions  of  the  author  are  managed  in  a  good  temper,  and 
with  no  little  ability,  and  are  entitled  to  a  patient  considera- 
tion." 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 


103 


The  Northern  Christian  Advocate  said  :  "  Mr.  Inskip  de- 
serves the  thanks  of  the  public  for  this  able  and  interesting 
work.  He  speaks  of  our  economy  with  freedom,  and  with  a 
clear  understanding  of  its  peculiarities.  Sound  judgment  and 
thorough  discrimination  are  everywhere  apparent  through- 
out the  volume." 

Zion's  Herald  said :  "  It  discriminates  well  the  essential  and 
incidental  in  our  system ;  its  style  is  ready,  pertinent,  and 
not  unfrequently  eloquent,  and  its  arrangement  and  execu- 
tion perspicuous  and  luminous." 

The  book  created  no  little  excitement  in  the  West.  The 
local  secular  press  very  generally  commended  it. 

The  Conference  assembled  in  Springfield.  Bishop  Morris 
presided.  The  business  of  the  conference  progressed  with 
usual  harmony,  until  Friday  of  the  second  week  of  the  ses- 
sion. When  Mr.  Inskip's  name  was  called,  in  the  examina- 
tion of  character,  Rev.  G.  Moody  arose  and  said  :  "  I  have 
somewhat  against  my  brother,"  and  proceeded  to  read  a 
preamble  and  resolutions,  condemning  his  course.  Mr.  In- 
skip objected,  saying,  that  if  there  was  anything  to  be 
alleged  against  the  passage  of  his  character,  he  desired  that 
it  might  be  made  out  in  the  form  of  a  complaint.  Mr.  Moody 
was  compelled  to  prepare  his  bill  of  charges,  which  he  did, 
and  presented  them  in  due  form.  Mr.  Inskip  was  charged 
with, 

1.  "  The  violation  of  your  solemn  pledge  made  to  the 
conference  at  its  session  in  Dayton. 

2  "  Contumacious  treatment  of  said  conference,  and  the 
publication  of  obnoxious  matter  or  doctrine  contained  in  your 
book  entitled,  '  Methodism  Explained  and  Defended,  and 
Dedicated  to  the  Ministers  and  Members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.'  " 

The  evidence  was  presented,  and  Dr.  Moody,  on  the 
part  of  the  prosecution,  addressed  the  conference,  mak- 


104 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


ing  a  strong  plea  against  Mr.  Inskip.  Some  who  were 
present  were  surprised  at  the  apparent  determination  on  the 
part  of  the  prosecutor  to  convict  the  accused.  But  when  it 
is  remembered  that  Mr.  Moody  firmly  believed  that  the 
introduction  of  "  family  sittings  "  was  a  wicked  prostitution 
of  the  Church  of  God,  it  is  not  very  surprising  that  he 
rallied  all  his  great  strength  to  convict  the  "  prisoner  at  the 
bar." 

Mr.  Inskip,  it  is  said,  made  a  most  masterly  defence. 
But  the  majority  were  not  prepared  to  listen,  as  they  had 
already  prejudged  the  case.  There  is  no  doubt  but  that 
the  conference  were  just  as  ready  to  convict  the  accused  be- 
fore as  after  they  had  heard  the  evidence.  Mr.  Inskip  was 
found  "  guilty  of  the  charges."  It  is  doubtful  if  there  was  ever 
greater  excitement  in  the  Ohio  Conference,  than  during  that 
trial.  Every  member  was  in  his  place  ;  the  galleries  were 
densely  packed  with  interested  spectators,  and  the  whole 
community  seemed  to  be  in  a  fever. 

The  conference  had  convicted  Mr.  Inskip  of  grave  offences, 
but  what  were  they  to  do  with  him  ?  This  seemed  a  more 
difficult  question  than  anything  which  had  yet  come  before 
them.    Rev.  J.  Young  offered  the  following  resolution :  — 

"  Besolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  conference,  Bro.  Inskip 
is  censurable,  and  that  he  be,  and  hereby  is,  censured." 

It  was  moved  to  strike  out  the  word  "censured,"  and  in- 
sert the  word  "  admonished."  The  original  motion,  however, 
was  withdrawn,  and  Rev.  G.  W.  Walker  offered  the  follow- 
ing:— 

''Resolved,  That  it  is  with  heartfelt  sorrow  that  we  feel  called  upon 
to  disapprove  of  Bro.  Inskip's  course." 

The  first  resolution,  offered  by  Mr.  Young,  was  entirely 
consistent  with  the  action  of  the  conference.    But  the  con- 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 


105 


ference  was  not  willing  to  face  the  legitimate  results  of  its 
action.  They  conscientiously  believed  that  Mr.  Inskip  was 
not  guilty  of  the  charges  which  they  had,  by  their  vote,  con 
victed  him  of. 

The  second  resolution  was  opposed,  as  being  inconsistent. 
One  member  remarked,  that  it  was  much  like  "  skinning  a 
man,"  and  then  telling  him,  "we  are  sorry  for  it." 

Rev.  J.  G.  Mitchell  offered  a  substitute  for  Mr.  Walker's 
resolution,  which  was  passed  by  the  conference  :  — 

"Besolved,  That,  with  Bro.  Inskip' s  explanation  before  them,  the 
conference  do  not  judge  him  guilty  of  a  wilful  and  wicked  breach  of 
pledge  ;  but  admonish  him  of  his  error,  and  pass  his  character." 

It  does  not  require  deep  discernment  to  see  the  manifest 
discrepancy  between  this  resolution  and  the  charges  which 
had  just  been  sustained,  involving  the  moral  character  of 
Mr.  Inskip.  If  this  resolution  presented  the  true  state  of 
the  case,  it  should  have  been  so  stated  in  the  charges ;  for 
the  conference  had  just  as  much  light  on  the  subject  before 
the  vote  to  sustain  the  charges  was  taken,  as  it  had  when  the 
resolution  was  passed.  If  the  resolution  was  true,  the  charges 
were  false. 

Mr.  Inskip  gave  notice  of  his  intention  to  appeal  from  the 
decision  of  the  conference  in  his  case,  to  the  General  Con- 
ference to  be  held  in  Boston,  the  following  May. 

The  conference  concluded  its  session,  and  Mr.  Inskip 
found  himself  removed  from  the  High  Street  Church, 
Springfield,  to  Troy.  This  removal,  under  the  circum- 
stances, was  regarde  1  as  a  penalty  for  the  sin  he  had  com- 
mitted in  advocating  family  sittings  in  churches. 

The  society  to  which  they  were  sent  was  small,  the  church 
edifice  dilapidated,  the  salary  only  $250,  with  no  other  means 
of  support  except  their  salary  ;  and  their  son  on  expense  at 
the  boarding-school.    It  was  a  great  affliction  to  both  Mr.  and 


106 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Mrs.  Inskip,  for  it  had  been  done  without  consulting  them, 
and  with  no  thought  on  their  part  that  a  change  was  to  be 
made.  For  a  time,  Mr.  Inskip,  as  well  he  might  be,  was 
strongly  tempted  to  rebel.  But  his  better  judgment  pre- 
vailed, and  he  went  to  his  charge  to  do  the  work  of  a  Meth- 
odist preacher ;  and  God  vindicated  his  loyalty  in  the  end. 

His  friends  strongly  sympathized  with  him,  in  what  they 
regarded  as  an  infliction  of  punishment  for  an  opinion. 
The  foil  )wing  resolutions  express  the  feelings  of  the  "  Union 
Ohapel  Society  "  of  Cincinnati :  — 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  the  official  board  of  "Union  Chapel  So- 
ciety," held  at  thoir  church  on  Monday  evening,  October  6,  1851,  the 
following  resolutions  were  passed  by  unanimous  vote:  — 

"Resolved,  That  the  society  at  Union  Chapel  are  under  lasting 
obligations  to  Rev.  John  S.  Inskip,  of  the  Ohio  Annual  Conference,  for 
the  firm,  liberal,  and  Christian  course  he  has  pursued,  in  the  face  of  a 
oitter  opposition  on  the  question  of  family  sittings  in  our  churches,  in 
which  this  society  is  so  deeply  interested.  s 

"Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  Bro.  Inskip  our  hearty  thanks  for 
his  able  and  efficient  support  of  the  principles  for  which  we  are  con- 
tending,—  even  at  the  sacrifice  of  his  personal  popularity  with  the 
majority  of  his  conference. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  sympathise  with  Bro.  Inskip  and  his  excellent 
wife,  in  being  removed  from  a  charge  at  the  end  of  the  first  year  (al- 
though the  members  wished,  and  the  board  of  stewards  asked,  for  his 
return),  to  gratify,  as  we  think,  the  desire  to  punish  him,  by  a  major- 
ity of  his  conference. 

"Resolved,  That  we  should  have  been  much  gratified  to  have  had 
the  efficient  labors  of  Brother  and  Sister  Inskip  at  Union  Chapel,  the 
present  year;  but  acquiesce  in  their  decision  to  abide  the  direction  of 
the  bishop,  and  take  tho  appointment  allotted  them. 

"Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  er'ered  upon  our  minutes- 
and  that  the  secretary  be  directed  to  transmi.  a  copy  of  them  to  Bn^ 
Inskip,  with  ihe  assurances  of  our  confidence  in  him  as  a  minister  of 
our  holy  religion,  and  high  appreciation  of  his  efforts  in  our  behalf, 
and  our  abiding  interest  in  his  future  welfare. 

"Signed  in  behalf  of  tho  official  board  of  Union  Chapel  Society. 

"Cornelius  More,  Prest. 
"  J.  II.  Burton,  Secy." 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 


107 


The  people  received  them  with  open  arms,  and  aided  them 
to  the  extent  of  their  ability.  It  was  suggested  to  Mrs.  lu- 
skip  that  she  could  open  a  school,  and  by  that  means,  aid 
not  only  io  supporting  themselves,  but  in  keeping  the ir  sou 
at  school.  The  official  members,  being  consulted  by  Mr. 
Inskip,  consented  to  the  arrangement.  A  room  was  rented, 
circulars  were  sent  out,  and  in  a  little  time  a  prosperous 
school  was  in  operation. 

There  had  been  no  revival  in  the  town  for  a  long  time. 
Mr.  Inskip  resolved  to  make  the  most  of  his  situation,  and 
entered  into  the  work  of  soul-saving,  with  his  usual  energy. 
He  preached  as  he  only  could  preach,  and  visited  from  house 
to  house.  A  revival  of  universal  power  commenced.  The 
old  church,  which  for  years  had  been  filled  mainly  with 
vacant  pews,  was  now  crowded  to  its  utmost  capacity,  and 
sinners  thronged  the  altar  as  seekers  of  pardon. 

A  few  days  before  leaving  for  Boston  to  attend  the  Gen- 
eral Conference,  he  writes  :  — 

Monday,  29.  — <;  The  Lord  has  favored  me  with  unusual  suc- 
cess in  this  place.  Near  three  hundred  have  been  converted 
and  added  to  the  church.  Among  them  are  many  who 
promise  much  usefulness.  I  have  not  before  seen  such  a 
work.  To  God  be  all  the  glory !  Oh,  it  is  to  me,  in  view 
of  many  special  circumstances,  abundant  cause  of  gratitude 
and  joy.  I  cannot  express  the  feelings  I  often  have  in  ref- 
erence to  this  matter.  Surely  the  Lord  is  good,  and  His 
mercy  endureth  forever." 

He  is  not  without  his  fears  as  to  what  the  action  of  the 
General  Conference  might  be  in  his  case.  His  personal 
feelings  are  expressed  in  the  following  record  which  he 
made  at  the  time  :  "  The  obsolete  rule  in  regard  to  separate 
sittings,  pews,  etc.,  will  either  be  excluded,  or  be  so  modi- 
fied as  to  leave  the  matter  entirely  to  the  discretion  of  the 
people.    The  effect  of  this  within  the  bounds  of  the  Ohio 


108 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Conference,  I  cannot  tell.  The  reaction  against  the  former 
ultraisni  of  the  conference,  I  fear,  will  be  very  great,  and  in 
many  cases  a  change  will  take  place,  without  much  advan- 
tage to  the  cause  of  Methodism.  The  strife  of  contending 
parties  may  become  so  violent,  in  some  instances,  as  to  do 
much  injury.  For  all  these  things  the  majority  of  the  Ohio 
Conference  will  be  held  responsible.  Had  they  taken  the 
course  urged  by  the  minority,  all  difficulty  would  have  been 
avoided.  They,  however,  chose  another  course,  and  with 
unyielding  pertinacity,  carried  it  out;  consequently,  what- 
ever evil  results  may  follow,  will  be  charged  upon  them. 
Still,  however,  we  must  hope  in  the  Lord." 

On  the  first  of  May,  1852,  the  General  Conference  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  commenced  its  session  in  the 
Bromfield  Street  Church,  Boston.  Mr.  Inskip  appeared  to 
prosecute  his  appeal.  His  wife,  who  knew  him  —  his  weak- 
ness and  strength — better  than  anybody  else,  wrote  to  hifn 
a  letter,  in  which  she  says :  "  By  the  time  this  reaches  you, 
I  suppose  your  case  will  be  before  the  conference.  All  I 
have  to  say,  is,  be  very  guarded.  I  am  anxious  for  you  to 
succeed.  I  want  you  to  deliver  your  address  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  do  you  much  credit.  Manifest  a  Christian  spirit. 
It  matters  not  what  is  done  or  said,  keep  cool, —  pray  for 
grace  to  be  given  you.  You  will  not  lose  anything  by  being 
kind  and  affectionate.  But  at  the  same  time,  I  would  add, 
be  as  firm  to  your  purpose  as  the  Rock  of  Gibraltar.  Do  not 
give  one  inch.  If  I  ever  thought  you  would  be  like  some  I 
could  name  —  afraid  to  speak  out  your  sentiments  —  I  really 
would  be  ashamed  to  own  you.  But  I  thank  God,  you 
are  not  one  of  this  kind.  All  things  will  work  together 
for  your  good,  if  you  will  only  continue  in  the  same  spirit 
that  you  have  manifested  from  the  beginning.    I  want  you 

to  have  great  success,  and  beat  ,  but  I  want  you  to  do  it 

in  a  gentlemanly  way." 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 


109 


It  must  be  admitted  that  this  letter  is  written  in  a  most 
excellent  spirit,  and  could  but  be  moulding  in  its  influence. 

It  was  not  until  the  twelfth  day  of  the  session  that  the 
appeal  was  reached.  On  motion  of  Dr.  Elliott,  the  appeal, 
which  had  been  assigned  for  that  day,  was  taken  up. 

Dr.  Slicer  doubted  the  propriety  of  entertaining  the 
appeal,  and  moved  that  it  be  not  entertained. 

Mr.  Winner  agreed  with  Dr.  Slicer. 

Dr.  Bangs  argued  that  Mr.  Inskip  was  entitled  to  an  ap- 
peal. 

Dr.  Cartwright  insisted  that  the  appeal  should  not  be 
heard. 

Mr.  Mattison  thought  the  brother  was  entitled  to  be  heard. 
Mr.  Comfort  and  Dr.  B.  F.  Teft  made  earnest  speeches  in 
favor  of  the  appeal  being  heard. 

Jacob  Young,  of  the  Ohio  Conference,  hoped  the  confer- 
ence would  hear  Bro.  Inskip. 

Dr.  Hodgson  made  an  argument  in  favor  of  entertaining 
the  appeal,  which  settled  the  question. 

It  was  finally  voted  that  the  appeal  be  heard. 

Mr.  Inskip  was  called  upon  to  present  the  grounds  of  his 
appeal.  The  writer  has  often  heard  him  say,  that  for  a  few 
moments  he  felt  as  if  he  should  die.  His  heart  came  into 
his  throat,  and  he  did  not  know  that  he  would  be  able  to 
speak.  Then  he  collected  his  thoughts,  and  said  to  himself 
I  know  more  about  this  case  than  all  this  body  of  men,  and 
I  will  tell  them  what  I  know.  From  that  moment  his  fears 
subsided,  he  became  calm  and  self-possessed. 

It  was  an  hour  of  deep  interest.  The  church,  which  then 
contained  large  galleries,  was  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity  to 
listen  to  the  man  who  had  created  so  much  stir  in  the  West. 
The  writer  sat  in  the  galleries,  where  we  had  a  fine  oppor- 
tunity to  see  and  hear  him.  No  one  who  was  present  will 
ever  forget  that  defence.    It  continued  through  two  sessions 


110 


LIFE  OF  JOUX  S.  IXSKIP. 


of  the  conference.  The  people  listened  with  rapt  atten- 
tion to  the  end.  The  audience  manifested  their  sympathy 
with  the  sentiments  of  the  speaker  by  loud  applause,  for 
which  Bishop  Morris,  who  was  in  the  chair,  sharply  re- 
proved them,  reminding  them  that  they  were  not  in  a 
theatre. 

It  would  be  interesting  to  the  reader,  we  have  no  doubt, 
to  peruse  that  address.  But  the  manuscript  from'  which  it 
was  delivered  lies  before  us,  filling  no  less  than  seventy- 
six  closely-written  pages  of  foolscap.  It  would  make  not 
less  than  seventy-five  pages  of  this  book.  He  simply  swept 
the  field.  "  Father  Taylor,"  who  listened  to  the  address, 
became  greatly  excited.  He  could  not  keep  his  seat,  but 
moved  about  like  a  caged  lion.  When  Mr.  Inskip  closed, 
the  eloquent  man  of  the  sea  handed  him  his  chair,  saying, 
"Be  seated,  sir.  You  have  buried  those  fellows  so  deep 
that  the  sound  of  Gabriel's  trumpet  would  not  reach  them 
in  a  thousand  years."  The  day  was  won.  Inskip  had 
triumphed  most  grandly.  He  became  the  observed  of  all 
observers. 

Dr.  Moody  at  once  commenced  his  reply,  and  hour  after 
hour  the  giant  of  the  West,  for  such  he  was,  put  forth  all 
his  powers  to  retrieve  the  lost  cause.  He  did  well,  but  the 
conference  and  the  spectators  were  not  in  sympathy  with 
the  speaker.  He  was  followed  by  Rev.  G.  W .  Walker,  a 
man  of  blessed  memory,  who,  by  his  gentle  and  winning 
words,  and  seeming  disinclination  to  press  unduly  his  oppo- 
nent, drew  many  hearts  to  him.  But  he  could  not  turn  the 
tide.  Others  spoke  for  and  against,  but  all  seemed  to  be  of 
little  avail.  John  S.  Inskip  had  captured  the  minds  and 
hearts  of  a  majority  of  the  conference  ;  and  when  the  pleas 
were  ended,  the  conference  voted  to  reverse  the  action  of 
the  Ohio  Conference,  and  the  youthful  reformer  returned  to 
his  western  home  gay  as  a  lark,  free  as  an  eagle,  and  happy 
as  an  angeL 


CONFLICT  AND  VICTORY. 


Ill 


As  soon  as  the  action  of  the  conference  was  known,  Mr. 
Inskip,  scarcely  stopping  long  enough  to  bid  his  friends 
adieu,  turned  his  face  towards  the  West,  and  hastened  to 
report  the  result  to  one  in  whom  he  had  more  interest  than 
in  all  else,  who  was  waiting  and  praying  for  his  success  and 
coming.  His  feelings  toward  all  connected  with  this  matter 
are  well  expressed  in  the  following  words  :  — 

" Saturday,  29. — Great  subject  of  conversation  and  rejoicing 
among  us,  is  my  success  at  Boston.  I  cannot  by  any  means 
give  utterance  to  the  gratitude  I  feel  to  my  Heavenly 
Father,  and  all  my  numerous  friends,  for  this  triumph.  I 
have  no  disposition  to  exult  over  my  discomfited  opponents. 
This,  I  trust,  I  shall  always  be  careful  to  avoid.  " 


CHAPTER  IX. 


HOW  OPPOSITION  LED  TO  PROMOTION. 

Such  had  been  the  feeling  in  the  Ohio  Conference  towards 
Mr.  Inskip,  that  it  was  thought  advisable,  not  only  by  him- 
self, but  by  many  of  his  friends,  that  he  should  take  a  trans- 
fer to  some  eastern  conference.  And  there  were  not 
wanting  openings  in  any  number. 

The  Madison  Street  M.  E.  Church,  connected  with  the 
New  York  East  Conference,  gave  him  an  urgent  call  to 
become  their  pastor.  Some  church  in  the  Troy  Conference 
had  put  in  a  similar  claim.  He  was  sure  that  he  should  be 
transferred  to  some  Eastern  Conference.  Jan.  1,  1852,  he 
says :  — 

Tuesday,  1. —  "  In  view  of  my  contemplated  transfer  to 
some  of  the  eastern  conferences,  of  course  I  feel  more  or  less 
unsettled.  A  movement  of  such  consequence  must,  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent,  excite  the  mind.  Should  it  occur,  I 
hope  it  may  be  for  the  best.  But  if  it  do  not  occur,  I  shall 
take  it  as  an  indication  of  Providence  for  us  to  remain,  and 
shall  be  perfectly  content." 

Four  days  later  he  received  a  letter  from  the  stewards  and 
trustees  of  Madison  Street  Church,  New  York,  from  which 
we  make  the  following  extract :  — 

"New  York,  May  31,  1852. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother, —  Having  heard  it  intimated  by  several 
parties,  that  it  was  probable  you  would  be  transferred  to  some  one  of 
112 


HOW  OPPOSITION  LED  TO  PROMOTION.  113 


the  eastern  conferences,  and  having  heard  your  talents  and  piety 
highly  spoken  of  by  several  of  your  brethren  in  the  ministry,  and 
otbers  of  your  acquaintance,  we  have  thought  if  it  suited  your  views 
to  be  transferred  to  the  New  York  East  Conference,  that  your  appoint- 
ment as  pastor  of  the  Madison  Street  Church  of  this  city,  with  which 
we  are  connected  as  stewards  and  trustees,  would  be  highly  acceptable 
to  our  membership  and  congregation.  Not  desiring  to  take  any  ac- 
tion in  the  matter  until  having  ascertained  your  views  in  relation  to 
transfer,  we  would  feel  obliged  by  your  addressing  a  line  in  reply,  to 
Bro.  Stephen  Barker,  No.  301  Grand  Street,  New  York,  informing  us 
whether  it  would  meet  your  approval  if  we  should  make  application 
for  you  to  the  bishop  at  the  ensuing  term  of  the  N.  Y.  East  Confer- 
ence, which,  as  you  doubtless  are  aware,  commences  its  session  a 
week  or  ten  days  from  this ;  before  which  we  should  much  like  to 
hear  from  you. 

(Signed)  "  SAsnjEL  Watkins,  Trustee. 

"  J.  W.  Barker,  " 

"  Stephen  Barker,  Steward, 

"  John  Elliot,  "  " 

They  encourage  him  by  informing  him  that  they  have 
paid  their  former  pastors  one  thousand  dollars  a  year,  and 
hope  to  do  as  well  by  him. 

Mr.  Inskip,  regarding  this  as  a  providential  call,  re- 
sponded, saying  that  he  should  "  be  happy  to  serve  the 
Madison  Street  congregation  if  the  authorities  of  the  church 
so  direct." 

He  received  a  letter  in  a  few  days  from  Mr.  Barker,  in- 
forming him  that  the  bishop  would  transfer  him  to  the 
Troy  Conference,  unless  he  co-operated  with  them  in  effect- 
ing a  change,  and  wishes  him  to  telegraph  John  Elliot  and 
Bishops  Waugh  and  Janes,  his  preference  for  Madison 
Street  Church.  He  at  once  did  as  he  was  asked  to  do,  but 
was  of  the  opinion  that  he  should  go  to  Troy.  He  had  fears 
that  his  parents,  who  resided  in  Cincinnati,  would  be  op- 
posed to  his  removal  East.  But  on  the  twelfth,  he  makes 
the  following  record :  — 


114 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


."Keceived  a  long  letter  from  father.  He  is  decidedly  in 
favor  of  our  being  transferred  East,  and  urges  me  to  have 
the  matter  consummated  at  all  hazards.  This  is  pleasant  to 
us,  of  course,  for  among  the  chief  obstacles  in  the  way  of 
our  transfer,  the  feelings  and  views  of  our  parents  have 
caused  us  more  or  less  uneasiness,  inasmuch  as  we  have 
always  supposed  them  to  be  opposed  to  our  removing  from 
this  conference.  The  letter  referred  to  has  entirely  relieved 
our  minds  in  this  matter." 

Two  days  later,  a  letter  was  received  from  Bishop 
Janes,  saying  that  it  was  the  judgment  of  the  bishop 
that  he  should  go  to  the  Troy  Conference.  There  was  no 
disposition  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Inskip  to  rebel.  He  received 
the  decision  of  the  bishop  with  true  Christian  submission. 

To  this  letter  he  makes  the  following  response :  — 

"  Troy,  Ohio,  June  14,  1852. 

"Bishop  Janes,  —  Dear  Brother, — Tours  of  the  9th  inst.,  was 
duly  received.  Previous  to  its  reception  the  friends  at  Madison  St., 
New  York,  communicated  with  me,  both  by  mail  and  telegraph,  desir- 
ing me  to  consent  that  they  should  make  application  for  me  to  the 
episcopacy,  and  to  co-operate  with  them,  and  I,  according  to  their  wish, 
immediately  forwarded  to  you  and  Bishop  Waugh,  both  a  dispatch 
and  a  letter,  stating  my  views  and  feelings  in  relation  to  the  matter. 
At  the  time  I  wrote,  I  had  no  official  information  of  the  decision  of 
the  episcopacy  in  my  case.  It  had  been  currently  reported,  however, 
by  some  means,  that  Troy  Conference  would  be  our  destination. 
This  will  explain  why  I  felt  at  liberty  to  state  somewhat  freely  my 
f  references,  as  well  as  those  of  my  wife. 

"Since  then,  having  been  informed  by  your  letter  of  the  judgment 
of  the  bishops,  I  deem  it  proper  to  say  that  Mrs.  Inskip  and  I  most 
cheerfully  acquiesce  therein.  The  difference  in  the  case  as  presented 
by  direct  communication  from  Madison  St.,  and  that  rumored  in  rela- 
tion to  Troy  Conference,  was  two-fold.  First,  we  have  quite  a  num- 
ber of  acquaintances  in  the  N.  Y.  East  Conference,  and  secondly, 
the  application  was  on  the  part  of  the  people,  whereas  in  regard  to 
Troy,  we  would  be  almost  entire  strangers,  and  no  application  had 


SOW  OPPOSITION  LED  TO  PROMOTION. 


115 


been  made  for  us  by  tbe  people.  In  the  abstract,  the  Troy  Confer- 
ence is  in  every  way  as  desirable  to  us  as  tbe  N.  Y.  East  Conference, 
and  if  upon  further  reflection,  it  has  been  determined  that  it  will  be 
improper  to  accede  to  the  proposition  of  the  brethren  in  Madison  St., 
and  better  to  adhere  to  the  original  decision  of  the  episcopacy,  we. 
shall  be  perfectly  satisfied.  The  matter  we  leave  with  you  entirely. 
Shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  again.  Before  closing,  I  would  say, 
unless  it  has  been  settled  to  consummate  the  arrangement  with  Madi- 
son St.,  it  seems  to  us  it  will  be  the  order  of  Providence  to  go  to  the 
Troy  Conference.  As  to  the  conference  territory,  location,  and  all 
similar  considerations,  no  doubt  that  conference  is  among  tbe  very 
best  in  the  whole  work  ;  and  judging  from  the  kind  expressions  from 
the  delegation  from  that  body,  I  am  sure  we  shall  be  very  happy 
there,  and,  I  trust,  useful  too.  These  brethren  won  my  esteem  and 
confidence,  and  I  shall  consider  myself  happy  indeed  to  be  associated 
with  them  in  the  promotion  of  the  Divine  glory  and  the  interests  of 
Methodism.  My  wife  joins  me  in  the  kindest  regards  to  you  and 
yours.  Hoping  soon  to  bear  from  you  again,  I  remain,  respectfully 
and  fraternally  yours, 

John  S.  Inskip. 

"N.  B.  I  presume  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  supplying  our 
place  here.  With  two  weeks  notice,  so  far  as  we  are  concerned,  we 
can  be  ready  to  move  at  any  time." 

Next  came  a  letter  from  Eev.  E.  H.  Pilcher  of  the  Michi- 
gan Conference,  urging  him  to  take  a  transfer  to  that  Con- 
ference and  be  stationed  in  Detroit,  as  his  successor.  Of 
these  invitations  he  says :  "  It  really  does  seem  to  us  that 
the  persecutions  to  which  I  have  been  subjected  are  work- 
ing out  a  very  favorable  result.  But  for  these  the  people 
referred  to  in  the  above  communication  would  never  have 
heard  of  me,  perhaps.  This,  indeed,  would  have  been  the 
case  elsewhere.  I  suppose  the  people  of  New  York  and 
Troy  never  would  have  known  anything  about  me,  had  I 
not  been  brought  into  notice  by  the  impolitic  course  of  the 
majority  of  the  Ohio  Conference." 

He  declines  the  invitation  to  be  transferred  to  Michigan, 
not  seeing  the  path  of  duty  in  that  direction.    June  17,  a 


116 


LIFE  OF  JOIIN  S.  INSKIP. 


letter  from  Stephen  Barker,  informs  him  that  after  a  hard, 
but  successful  struggle,  he  is  to.  come  to  the  New  York  East 
Conference,  that  Madison  St.  Church  is  left  to  be  supplied, 
with  the  understanding  that  he  is  to  be  transferred  and  sta- 
tioned there. 

The  following  letter  from  Bishop  Waugh  settles  the 
matter :  — 

"  MrDDLETOwx,  Conn.,  June  18,  1852. 
"Eev.  J.  S.  Inskip, —  Dear  Brother, —  Yours  of  the  11th  inst,  was 
received  last  night.  Madison  St.,  New  York,  has  been  left  to  be  sup- 
plied, and  you  are  relied  on  to  supply  it.  It  was  understood,  however, 
by  the  brethren  who  waited  on  Bishop  Janes,  that  the  transfer  woulf" 
not  take  effect  until  after  the  next  session  of  the  Ohio  Conference 
As  Bishop  Janes  will  preside  at  your  ensuing  session,  it  of  right  be 
longs  to  him  to  make  the  transfer.  This  is  all  I  have  time  to  com- 
municate, and  it  is  all  that  is  necessary.  Present  my  remembrance 
to  Sister  Inskip.  , 
"Yours  affectionately, 

"  B.  Waugh." 

He  received  a  letter  from  C.  Moore,  Cincinnati,  urging 
him  to  remain  in  the  conference.  "We  want  you  at 
'  Union,'  next  year,  and  must  have  you."  In  view  of  what 
had  transpired,  Mr.  Inskip  says :  "  We  are  very  much  com- 
forted in  the  growing  assurance  of  the  interposition  of 
Providence  on  our  behalf  in  reference  to  Madison  St.,  New 
York.  Pray  most  devoutly  that  our  appointment  there  may 
be  attended  with  the  Divine  blessing.  We  have  been  much 
persecuted  during  our  connection  with  the  Ohio  Conference, 
yet  the  Lord  has  favored  us  with  great  success  at  every  ap- 
pointment. We  are  not  filled  with  vain-glory  on  this 
account,  but  are  grateful,  I  trust.  In  humble  dependence 
upon  the  Divine  favor,  we  will  continue  in  the  path  of  duty. 
It  would  have  been  much  more  pleasant  to  us  had  we  re- 
ceived the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  leading  members  of  the 
Ohio  Conference,  but  for  some  reason  this  has  been  withheld, 


EOW  OPPOSITION  LED  TO  PROMOTION. 


117 


and  in  many  instances  we  have  had  to  contend  with  direct 
hostility  from  them.  Nevertheless,  the  Lord  has  been  with 
us,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  has  been  our  refuge.  We  have, 
however,  many  very  warm  friends,  with  whom  it  is  pain  fid 
to  part.  But  I  have  no  doubt  it  will  be  better,  much  better, 
for  all  concerned,  for  us  to  change  our  position.  May  God 
bless  us  all !  " 

The  brethren  of  the  Ohio  Conference  are  not  to  be  con- 
demned for  contending  for  what  they  believed  was  right. 
In  the  heat  of  the  strife,  neither  party  was  able  to  correctly 
judge  the  motives  of  the  other.  But  in  later  years  we  re- 
joice to  know  that  victor  and  vanquished  both  viewed  the 
matter  very  differently. 

Mr.  Inskip  received  the  following  testimonial,  which  is 
worthy  of  a  place  here :  — 

"  Tkoy,  Ohio,  July  8,  1852. 
"My  Bear  Brother  Inskip, —  Enclosed  you  will  find  a  copy  of  a 
complimentary  letter,  which  I  am  authorized,  by  the  Dayton  District 
Ministerial  Association,  to  furnish  you.  I  need  not  say  that  it  affords 
me  the  greatest  pleasure  to  be  the  medium  of  such  a  testimonial  of 
regard  from  your  fellow-laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  May 
the  richest  blessings  of  Heaven  rest  upon  you  and  your  estimable  lady, 
whose  Christian  and  social  qualities  have  enthroned  you  in  our 
hearts. 

"  Ever  yours, 

"  W.  P.  Stbickland." 

"  Whereas,  Our  dearly-beloved  brother,  Rev.  John  S.  Inskip,  has 
been  called  by  the  authorities  of  the  church  to  the  pastorship  of  the 
Madison  St.  charge  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  hence  his  relation 
to  the  Cincinnati  Conference,  and  consequently  his  relation  to  the 
Dayton  District  Association,  must  terminate  at  the  close  of  the  pres- 
ent conference  year;  and 

"  Whereas,  Bro.  Inskip  has,  from  the  organization  of  the  Associa- 
tion to  the  present  time,  taken  the  liveliest  interest  in  all  matters 
pertaining  thereto,  and 

"  Whereas,  His  intelligence,  urbanity,  and  high  Christian  and 
ministerial  character,  have  greatly  endeared  him  to  us, —  therefore 


118 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


"1.  Resolved,  That  we  sincerely  regret  the  necessity,  which,  in 
(he  order  of  Providence,  as  connected  with  the  economy  of  the 
church,  removes  him  from  our  midst. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  we  will  ever  cherish  for  our  brother  the  warm- 
est feelings  of  fraternal  affection,  and  most  devoutly  pray  that  the 
same  success  may  crown  his  ministry,  in  the  new  field  to  which  he  is 
called,  as  has  attended  it  while  in  connection  with  us,  and  that  God 
may  bless  him  and  his  family  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

"Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  preamble  and  resolutions 
be  presented  to  Bro.  Inskip,  and  that  another  be  furnished  for  the 
Western  Christian  Advocate,  and  that  the  Christian  Advocate  and 
Journal  be  requested  to  publish  the  same. 

"  W.  P.  Strickland,  Secy. 
"  William  Herb,  President." 

When  the  church  at  Troy  awoke  to  the  fact  that  Mr. 
Inskip  was  to  leave  them,  they  addressed  a  very  touching 
and  stirring  letter  to  Bishop  James,  imploring  him  not  to 
transfer  their  pastor  from  the  conference,  but  allow  him  to 
remain  with  them  one  year  more.  The  letter  gives  a  fuller 
view  of  his  work  in  Troy  than  any  account  we  have  met 
with,  therefore  we  give  it  in  full :  — 

"  Troy,  July  13,  1S52. 
"  To  Bishop  Janes, —  Dear  Sir, —  Having  received  intelligence 
of  the  intended  removal  of  Bro.  J.  S.  Inskip  from  this  station,  at  the 
end  of  the  conference  year,  we,  the  undersigned,  including  the  official 
body  and  a  large  proportion  of  the  membership,  known  as  '  Troy  sta- 
tion of  the  M.  E.  Church  of  the  Ohio  Annual  Conference,'  respectfully 
represent  to  you,  as  one  of  the  bishops  beloved,  that  the  removal  of 
Bro.  Inskip  from  u?,  at  the  end  of  this  year,  will  not  only  be  unex- 
pected and  painful  to  all  in  tnis  place,  but  will  have  an  unhappy  and 
withering  effect  on  the  interests  of  the  church,  and  the  entire  com- 
munity over  which  he  has  gained,  and  is  now  exercising,  an  influence 
not  to  be  calculated,  and  which  no  other  minister  has  attained  here. 
This  is  not  the  uttering  of  mere  feeling  from  favoritism,  but  a  candid 
conclusion  drawn  from  some  facts,  which,  whatever  may  be  done  in 
this  case,  will  stand  very  prominently  in  the  history  of  this  place  and 
neighborhood,  and  for  years  to  come  will  be  referred  to  by  many  with 


HOW  OPPOSITION  LED  TO  PROMOTION.  119 


great  interest.  For  some  time  past  ours  has  been  a  feeble  society, — 
hardly  knowing  whether  we  could  respectably  sustain  ourselves  as  a 
station.  But  God  has  visited  us  in  mercy  and  grace.  He  has  made 
Bro.  Inskip  the  means  of  bringing  many  into,  and  building  up,  the 
church,  in  a  very  remarkable  manner.  During  last  winter  a  revival 
of  religion  occurred  here  and  in  the  adjacent  country,  under  his  min- 
istry, which,  all  things  considered,  was  without  a  parallel  in  the 
Miami  Valley  for  many  years,  and  the  prospect  of  his  usefulness  is 
now  more  flattering  than  at  any  time  before.  Indeed,  his  large  work 
is  just  now  fully  before  him,  and  could  you  know  all  the  facts  as  they 
are  plainly  before  every  one  here,  you  would,  we  th!nk,  say  he  should 
remain  one  year  longer.  But  after  all  we  can  say,  you  can  have  but  a 
partial  idea  of  the  deep  mental  affliction  which  the  removal  of  Bro. 
Inskip  will  give  to  this  society.  On  yesterday,  one  hundred  and  forty 
names  were  called  to  be  received  into  full  connection,  and  most  of  the 
persons  came  around  the  altar,  exhibiting  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  a 
scene  of  religious  interest  not  often  beheld  in  this  region,  but  most 
impressive  and  thrilling.  But  just  at  this  time  —  (please  consider  it 
closely) — hundreds  of  hearts  were  made  sad  by  the  thought  that 
their  pastor  was  soon  to  be  removed  —  removed  at  the  most  important 
time  in  his  work, —  the  time  of  giving  strength  and  permanence  to 
the  church, —  made  sad  in  a  degree  that  would  give  mental  exclama- 
tion like  this,  '  Why  must  he  leave  us?  He  ought  not  to  be  removed! 
Can't  he  be  continued? ' 

"One  thought  additional,  and  we  respectfully  submit  the  whole 
matter.  Not  only  do  we  believe  that  the  state  of  things  here  consti- 
tutes an  unusual  demand  for  the  services  of  Bro.  Inskip  one  year  more, 
but  that  he  is  of  that  class  of  men  who  should  remain  in  the  western 
country.  The  soundness  of  his  physical  constitution,  and  his  intel- 
lectual strength  and  moral  vigor,  give  a  remarkable  adaptation  to  the 
interests  of  the  church  in  Ohio,  where  the  population  is  so  rapidly  in- 
creasing, and  every  improvement  moving  on  with  such  great  speed. 

"  Respectfully  and  affectionately  requesting  that  Bro.  John  S. 
Inskip  may  be  returned  to  this  station  at  the  next  annual  conference, 
we  add  no  more. 

"  Signed  by  the  members  of  this  station. 

"  Samuel  Johnson." 

Mr.  Inskip,  learning  what  had  been  done,  hastened  to 
disabuse  the  mind  of  the  bishop  in  regard  to  the  pressing 


120 


LIFE  OF  JOII1T  S.  IKSKIP. 


claim  of  the  Troy  brethren,  assuring  him  that  the  "  brethren 
are  by  no  means  factious,  but  act  under  the  influence  of 
preference.  They  greatly  over-rate  the  peculiarities  of  their 
position ;  nor  are  they  to  be  blamed  for  so  doing."  He  in- 
forms the  bishop  that  he  has  disposed  of  his  furniture,  and 
has  made  every  necessary  arrangement  to  go  to  New  York, 
and  is  only  waiting  for  the  conference  which  is  to  be  held 
at  Xenia. 

The  conference  at  last  assembles,  does  its  work,  and 
adjourns.  John  S.  Inskip  is  transferred  from  the  Ohio 
Conference  to  the  New  York  East,  and  stationed  at  Madison 
Street  Church,  New  York  City.  He  was  highly  pleased 
with  the  arrangement,  and  at  once  made  ready  to  depart  to 
his  new  field  of  labor,  where  he  was  destined  to  spend  the 
most  of  his  remaining  ministerial  life. 

He  was  strongly  attached  to  his  Troy  friends.  He  says  : 
"I  feel  more  and  more  in  reference  to  leaving  them.  It 
seems  to  me  I  never  had  a  greater  number  of  ardent  and 
confiding  friends  than  I  have  here.  May  the  Lord  abun- 
dantly bless  them  and  reward  them  for  their  kindness." 


CHAPTER  X. 


PASTORATE  IN  THE  METROPOLIS. 

Mr.  Inskip  arrived  in  New  York  City  on  Sept.  25,  1852, 
and  was  most  heartily  received  at  the  home  of  Bro.  James 
Barker.  The  reception,  also,  that  he  and  Mrs.  Inskip  met 
from  the  officiary  and  membership  of  the  Madison  Street 
Church,  was  most  welcome  and  encouraging.  He  found  the 
people  in  the  spirit  of  revival,  and  seemed  himself  to  have 
but  one  desire, —  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls. 
The  attendance  at  the  regular  church  services  soon  began  to 
increase,  while  the  love-feast  occasions  were  seasons  of  great 
rejoicing  and  spiritual  power. 

On  Monday,  Oct.  18,  he  attended  a  "  family  love-feast  for 
the  whole  church  of  New  York  and  vicinity,"  at  the  Allen 
Street  Church,  which  had  just  been  repainted  and  refur- 
nished. Of  this  meeting,  he  writes:  "I  never  witnessed 
such  a  scene,  nor  heard  such  speaking  and  singing.  The 
house  was  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity.  The  speaking  was 
to  the  point,  and  without  any  interruption.  It  certainly 
was  a  time  long  to  be  remembered." 

The  kindness  of  his  own  brethren,  in  providing  for  the 
temporal  comforts  of  himself  and  family  in  the  parsonage, 
is  thus  pleasantly  and  gratefully  recorded :  — 

Oct.  22.  —  "It  scarcely  ever  happens  that  a  Methodist 
preacher  falls  into  such  good  hands.  I  feel  grateful  to  my 
brethren,  and  humbled  before  my  Heavenly  Father.  Oh, 

121 


122 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


that  God  may  continue  to  pour  His  Spirit  upon  the  congre- 
gation ! " 

The  adaptation  of  Bro.  Inskip  to  the  work  of  the  Chris- 
tian ministry,  was  often  seen  in  the  grouping  of  events,  in 
each  of  which  he  was  perfectly  at  home.  On  Sunday  eve- 
ning, with  a  soul  on  fire,  and  the  church  crowded,  he  entered 
the  pulpit,  and  preached  on  the  "  Day  of  Judgment."  After 
the  sermon,  very  many  came  forward  to  the  altar,  and  were 
converted,  while  the  whole  audience  were  deeply  impressed 
with  the  sermon  they  had  heard.  On  the  following  evening, 
though  much  fatigued  with  his  Sabbath  labors,  we  find  him 
with  a  large  company  of  little  children,  in  the  pleasant  home 
of  Bro.  James  Barker,  holding  a  children's  meeting. 

While  profoundly  devoted  to  his  own  church  work,  he  was 
at  the  same  time  an  observing  "  watchman  on  the  walls  of 
Zion."  Whatever  interested  his  fellow-men,  was  of  in- 
terest to  him,  especially  on  the  line  of  their  moral  and 
spiritual  welfare.  Of  the  result  of  his  observation,  he 
writes  :  "  In  this  large  and  wicked  city,  there  is  a  multitude 
of  corrupting  influences  at  work.  Theatres,  balls,  drinking 
and  gambling  saloons,  conspire  to  lead  the  unwary  into  paths 
of  error  and  crime.  To  meet  the  emergency  thus  created, 
we  need  a  general  and  overwhelming  spirit  of  revival,"  and 
for  this  great  end  he  constantly  prayed,  and  as  earnestly 
labored. 

On  Sunday  evening,  Nov.  28,  Mr.  Inskip  preached  on  "  The 
Superiority  and  Pre-eminence  of  the  Priesthood  and  Sacra- 
fice  of  Christ,"  from  Heb.  vii.  20-25.  After  the  sermon, 
twelve  came  forward  for  prayers,  eight  professed  to  find 
peace,  and  seven  joined  the  church  on  probation.  On  the 
following  Tuesday  evening,  sixteen  more  came  forward, 
and  many  were  converted. 

So  fully  was  his  time  occupied  by  the  variety  of  calls 
made  upon  him,  it  was  with  difficulty  that  he  could  devote 


PASTORATE  IN  THE  METROPOLIS. 


123 


regular  hours  for  study.  Dec.  22,  he  writes  :  "  Since  1  came 
to  New  York,  I  have  had  unusual  freedom  iu  preaching,  and 
the  Lord  has  given  me  '  favor  with  the  people.'  To  main- 
tain my  position,  I  am  compelled  to  devote  much  time,  and 
take  great  pains,  in  preparing  my  sermons.  When  laboring 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Ohio  Conference,  especially  at  Day- 
ton and  Springfield,  my  time  was  so  much  occupied  with  finan- 
ciering, church-building,  etc.,  that  I  neglected  study,  so  far 
as  to  lose  my  relish  for  it.  At  present,  however,  circum- 
stances furnish  a  necessity,  and  habit,  the  love  of  study.  I 
think,  also,  that  I  am  improving  in  spiritual  enjoyments." 

On  Sunday  morning,  Dec.  26,  Bro.  Inskip  exchanges  with 
Rev.  Hart  F.  Pease,  of  Willett  Street,  and  preached  upon 
the  "  Resurrection  of  Christ,"  and  speaks  of  his  theme  as 
"  a  delightful  subject,"  and  of  himself  as  having  had  "  much 
freedom  in  preaching."  At  his  post  again  in  Madison  Street, 
in  the  afternoon,  he  preached  upon  the  text,  "  The  weapons 
of  our  warfare  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty  through  God,  to 
the  pulling  down  of  strongholds."  The  day  closed,  with  a 
sermon  in  the  evening,  from  the  text,  "  Without  controversy, 
great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness  ;  "  and  no  wonder  that  in 
recording  the  experiences  of  that  Sabbath,  he  writes  :  "  On 
the  whole,  I  scarcely  ever  had  such  a  day  during  my  time 
here.  The  Lord  has  done  much  for  me.  I  have  been  con- 
stantly and  abundantly  aided  by  His  Spirit.  Duty  seems 
delight.    Praise  the  Lord,  0  my  soul ! " 

In  tracing  the  life  of  Bro.  Inskip,  especially  at  this  period, 
he  seems  so  full  of  hope,  and  his  labors  crowned  with  such 
success  —  scarcely  any  meetings  being  held  without  some 
conversions, —  that  it  is  almost  surprising,  and  possibly  a 
comfort  to  those  of  his  brethren  whose  lot  seems  to  lie  along 
the  low-lands  of  life,  to  find  that  even  he  had  his  moments 
of  discouragement ;  yet  he,  like  others,  had  sometimes  to 
think  of  himself  as  only  another  "  prophet  by  the  brook." 


124 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S  WSKIP. 


On  Tuesday,  Jan.  4,  1853,  after  recording  a  precious  watch 
meeting,  which  closed  the  old  year,  crowned  with  the  happy 
conversion  of  eight  souls,  he  writes :  "  Weather  cloudy  and 
cold,  slight  fall  of  snow,  commenced  freezing  in  the  evening. 
Preached  at  night ;  hard  tug ;  my  mind  very  much  becloud- 
ed; faith  severely  tested;  tolerable  congregation.  No  one 
came  to  the  altar." 

Soon,  however,  the  mental  clouds  passed  away,  and  his 
heart  was  cheered  and  faith  strengthened  by  the  conversion 
of  many ;  indeed,  his  peace  of  mind  seemed  only  secured  as 
he  saw  souls  brought  to  Christ. 

A  note  in  his  diary,  Jan.  22,  is  worthy  of  insertion  here, 
as  showing  not  only  his  own,  but  the  conviction  of  others, 
upon  the  subject  of  which  he  writes  :  "  The  people  of  New 
York  have  been  accustomed,  during  the  season  of  extra 
meetings,  to  send  abroad  for  popular  preachers.  The  excite- 
ment such  produces,  passes  away  with  them,  and  a  reaction 
ensues  which  is  often  disastrous  to  the  interests  of  the 
church.  The  work  now  in  progress  among  us,  having  oc- 
curred in  connection  with  our  regular  services,  promises  to 
be  permanent." 

On  Tuesday  evening,  Feb.  22,  he  accepted  an  invitation  to 
spend  the  evening  at  Bro.  's  house.  A  large  com- 
pany had  assembled,  and,  to  his  great  surprise,  found  among 
the  amusements,  that  dancing  was  introduced  ;  upon  which 
he  writes  :  "  I  immediately,  with  my  family,  withdrew  from 
the  company,  and  would  at  once  have  returned  home,  but  for 
the  interference  of  Bro.   and  others,  at  whose  solicita- 
tion I  consented  to  remain  until  after  supper.  No  blessing 
was  asked  at  the  table,  and  the  whole  was  a  thoroughly  irre- 
J  i^ious  affair.  What  we  are  to  come  to,  if  our  people  continue 
to  ape  the  world  of  fashion,  I  cannot  tell.  I  am  not  very 
iigid  in  my  views, —  not  as  much,  perhaps,  as  I  should  be, — 
yet  I  cannot  but  deplore  this  tenden?y  to  folly  and  dissipa- 


PASTORATE  IN  THE  METROPOLIS. 


125 


tion.  The  Lord  enabled  me,  I  trust,  to  act  firmly  and  dis- 
creetly." 

Much  of  the  following  spring  and  early  summer  were 
occupied  in  church  repairs  and  improvements.  On  Monday, 
Aug.  8,  Bro.  Inskip,  with  others,  started  for  the  Northport 
Camp-meeting,  of  which  he  writes  as  follows :  — 

Saturday  13.  —  Returned  from  camp-meeting.  The  Lord 
was  pleased  to  reveal  Himself  in  a  wonderful  manner  ;  such 
displays  of  mercy  and  power  I  never  witnessed.  About  two 
hundred  and  fifty  obtained  peace  in  believing,  many  were 
sanctified,  and  both  preachers  and  people  were  abundantly 
blessed  of  the  Lord.  My  own  soul  was  filled  with  the  love 
of  God.  My  wife  was  also  richly  rewarded ;  indeed,  all  who 
were  there  seemed  to  be  filled  with  rapturous  awe." 

On  Tuesday,  Sept.  6,  he  again  writes  :  "  On  Monday  last, 
in  company  with  a  number  of  our  members,  went  to  the 
Sing-Sing  Camp-meeting,  and  returned  home  the  following 
Saturday.  About  one  hundred  and  fifty  were  converted, 
numbers  experienced  a  '  deeper  work  of  grace,'  and  I  have 
reason  to  count  myself  one  of  the  happy  number.  This  gra- 
cious work  was  wrought  in  my  heart,  after  the  meeting  closed, 
while  engaged  with  a  company  of  others  in  singing.  I  never 
can  forget  that  moment.  My  peace  since  then  has  been  un- 
interrupted. On  Sunday,  I  preached  with  unusual  satisfac- 
tion and  comfort,  and  during  the  day,  at  least  seventeen 
were  converted." 

Wednesday,  he  writes :  "  My  religious  experience  has 
been  greatly  improved  since  my  return  from  camp-meeting. 
1  endeavor  now  to  live  one  day  at  a  time.  I  find  this  a 
happy  manner  of  life.  I  am  looking  for  some  trial  of  my 
f  aith.  How  or  when  it  may  come,  I  know  not :  but  come 
when  it  may,  I  have  no  doubt  the  grace  of  God  will  be  suffi- 
cient for  me.  My  earnest  prayer  is,  that  I  may  be  enabled 
to  live  in  this  '  good  and  right  way.'  " 


126 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


Friday,  9,  he  adds:  "I  seem  to  walk  in  'green  pastures.' 
I  certainly  have  at  last  found  the  '  Land  of  Beulah,'  a  region 
of  light  and  joy." 

One  week  later,  he  says :  "  My  attention,  for  some  tim^ 
past,  has  been  directed  to  the  importance  of  deep  piety,  a-* 
a  qualification  for  the  duties  of  the  ministerial  office.  I  am 
fully  persuaded  that  without  this,  all  other  qualifications 
must  fail." 

And  on  the  next  day  adds  :  Sept.  15 :  "I  begin  to  feel  very 
different  in  regard  to  this  peculiar  feature  of  Methodism. 
It  seems  to  me  now,  nothing  is  so  interesting  as  the  narration 
of  Christian  experience.  I  never  had  such  a  continuation 
of  joy  and  peace." 

Nov.  10. —  In  recording  the  spirit  of  revival  in  his  church, 
he  thus  alludes  to  himself :  "  My  own  soul  shares  largely 
in  this  blessed  feast.  Frequently,  in  times  past,  I  have  gone 
through  a  revival,  and  felt  but  a  limited  amount  of  religious 
comfort.  But  ever  since  I  came  to  Madison  Street,  and  es- 
pecially within  the  last  two  months,  my  heart  has  been 
filled  with  the  presence  of  God.  Oh,  how  much  I  am  in- 
debted to  my  Heavenly  Father !  Everything  goes  on  pleas- 
antly with  me,  and  I  can  truly  say,  '  Heaven  is  on  earth 
begun.'  All  my  duties  are  performed  with  great  cheerful- 
ness, and  the  '  light  of  God's  countenance '  shines  continually 
m  my  pathway." 

The  annual  conference  having  convened  in  May,  1854,  in 
the  Jane  Street  M.  E.  Church,  New  York,  Bro.  Inskip  notes 
the  services  of  the  closing  Sabbath  of  his  pastorate  in 
Madison  Street :  — 

May  14.  —  "  At  night  I  delivered  my  '  valedictory.'  The 
congregation  was  very  large.  Many  of  the  people,  as  well 
as  myself,  seemed  to  regret  that  the  hour  of  parting  had 
come.  I  thank  God,  however,  for  His  goodness  toward  us. 
The  people  have  treated  us  with  marked  kindness  and  atten- 


PASTORATE  IN  THE  METROPOLIS. 


127 


tion.  Our  labors  have  been  abundantly  successful.  To  God 
be  all  the  glory.    May  He  direct  us  to  another  field." 

It  was  uncertain  where  Bro.  Inskip  would  be  stationed  the 
next  year;  but  at  the  close  of  the  conference,  on  Friday, 
May  26,  he  writes  :  "  We  received  our  appointment,  a  little 
before  ten  o'clock,  and  were  profoundly  astonished  when  we 
learned  that  we  were  appointed  to  Fleet  Street,  Brooklyn. 
Our  minds  had  never  looked  in  this  direction,  nor  had  the 
brethren  from  this  congregation  even  thought  of  us  coming 
to  them.  However,  we  trust  it  is  all  of  the  Lord,  and  desire 
to  go  to  them  in  the  '  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Gospel 
of  peace.'  During  the  next  week,  a  social  meeting  was  held 
by  the  church,  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  the  4  new  minister  and  his  wife.'  " 

The  conference  year,  at  Fleet  Street,  was  filled  with  many 
pleasant  incidents,  and  many  were  converted  and  added  to 
the  church  through  his  ministry.  It  was  also  a  year  of 
great  excitement  in  the  cities  of  New  York  and  Brooklyn, 
between  the  Protestant  and  Boman  Catholic  populations. 
Mr.  Inskip  for  a  while  filled  the  place  of  editor  of  the  True 
Freeman,  besides  delivering  many  lectures  on  the  side  of 
Protestant  liberty.  In  his  church  relations  he  formed  many 
pleasant  associations. 

At  the  conference  of  1855,  held  in  Danbury,  Conn.,  Bro. 
Inskip  was  appointed  to  the  Centenary  Church,  Brooklyn,  a 
ehange  of  appointment  which  seems  to  have  been  pleasing 
to  him,  and  on  June  5,  he  writes  :  "  We  are  comfortably  lo- 
cated in  our  new  home.  From  present  indications,  we  shall 
be  much  pleased  with  this  people ; "  and  again,  on  June  13 : 
"  From  every  quarter  we  have  the  most  encouraging  indica- 
tions. I  begin  to  feel  the  revival  spirit.  Since  I  came  to 
this  charge,  the  Lord  has  abundantly  blessed  my  poor  soul. 
Oh,  that  He  may  give  me  a  '  single  eye,'  and  great  success." 

During  the  month  of  August,  he  attended  camp-meetings 


128 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


at  Sing-Sing,  and  at  Northport,  L.  L  In  the  latter  place  he 
heard  a  sermon  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Merwin,  to  which  he  alludes 
as  follows  :  "  Bro.  Merwiu  preached  one  of  the  best  sermons 
I  have  heard  for  many  years.  It  is  seldom  we  hear  so 
much  Gospel  in  one  sermon.  At  night,  I  endeavored  to 
preach  on  the  'General  Judgment.'  A  number  came  for- 
ward for  prayers,  and  several  were  converted."  Returning 
to  his  charge  in  Brooklyn,  his  labors  were  crowned  with 
great  success. 

The  excitement  concerning  the  spread  of  Roman  Catholi- 
cism continuing,  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  whatever  per- 
tained to  the  spread  of  the  principles  of  Protestantism.  In 
Newark,  and  Newburg,  as  well  as  New  York  and  Brooklyn, 
vast  crowds  attended  his  public  addresses.  During  the 
month  of  October,  1856,  when  General  Fremont  was  nomi- 
nated for  the  presidency,  Mr.  Inskip  found  himself  in  some 
doubt  as  to  the  course  he  should  pursue  in  the  coming  elec- 
tion, and  so  outlines  the  dilemma  in  which  he  finds  himself: 
"  Great  excitement  in  regard  to  the  approaching  presidential 
election.  I  scarcely  know  whom  I  shall  vote  for.  Mr.  Fre- 
mont is  the  candidate  of  the  Republican  party,  whose 
'  principles  and  platform  '  I  most  cordially  approve.  But  it 
is  rumored  that  he  is  or  has  been  a  Roman  Catholic.  If  this 
should  prove  to  be  true,  I  cannot  vote  for  him." 

After  a  two  years'  pastorate,  at  the  Centenary  M.  E. 
Church,  he  was  appointed  to  the  DeKalb  Avenue  M.  E. 
Church,  Brooklyn,  and  he  at  once  entered  upon  his  duties 
there,  with  an  enlarged  desire  and  prayer  for  success  in  his 
ministerial  labors.  Finding  the  church  finances,  as  well  as 
the  spiritual  life  of  the  church,  in  a  depressed  state,  resulted 
in  much  anxiety  and  depression  in  his  own  mind.  During 
the  summer,  however,  he  attended  several  camp-meetings, 
taking  an  active  part  in  them,  at  all  of  which  he  says :  "  I 
was  powerfully  blessed,"  after  which  the  work  of  revival 


PASTORATE  IN  THE  METROPOLIS.  129 


developed  in  his  church.  Very  many  were  converted,  and 
the  general  prospects  of  the  church  became  brighter  and 
more  hopeful.  Near  the  close  of  his  one  year's  labor  in  De- 
Kalb  Ave.,  he  writes :  — 

Feb.  20, 1858.  —  "  We  have  been  graciously  favored  with  a 
revival  of  religion.  Over  one  hundred  and  twenty  souls 
have  been  hopefully  converted  to  God.  Our  members  have 
greatly  improved  in  religious  experience,  and  our  numerical 
strength  has  more  than  doubled.  At  present  we  have  a 
most  encouraging  prospect.    To  God  be  all  the  praise  ! 

On  Thursday,  May  22,  1858,  Mr.  Inskip  was  appointed 
pastor  of  the  Cherry  Street  M.  E.  Church,  New  York  City, 
and  preaching  the  following  Sabbath,  "  was  greatly  favored 
of  the  Lord."  Almost  at  once,  God  graciously  owned  and 
blessed  his  labors  —  few  meetings  occurring  without  conver- 
sions taking  place.  This  happy  condition  of  the  work,  Mr. 
Inskip  chiefly  attributed  to  the  comparatively  large  attend- 
ance at  the  class-meetings ;  and  in  a  note  upon  this,  he 
records  his  own  long-settled  convictions,  that  "  a  Methodist 
Church  regular  at  class-meetings,  is  certain  to  prosper." 
He  continued  thus  happy  in  his  labors,  until  a  shadow  un- 
expectedly came  upon  his  heart  and  home,  by  the  death  of 
his  much-beloved  and  only  son.  A  note  in  his  diary  tells 
of  the  favorable  business  prospects  and  the  happy  home  of 
this  loved  son,  and  the  high  respect  in  which  he  was  held 
by  all  who  knew  him ;  when  suddenly  the  cloud  gathered, 
and  death  took  him  away.  On  March  1,  Mr.  Inskip  makes 
this  sad  record :  "  We  buried  him  on  Thursday.  A  large 
number  of  sympathizing  friends  were  in  attendance.  He 
rests  in  peace.  We  are  afflicted,  but  we  are  also  comforted. 
The  joys  of  Christian  hope  sustained  him  in  the  trying  hour, 
and  he  has  gone  to  the  realm  of  bliss.  We  would  not  bring 
him  bick  to  this  world  of  sorrow.  We  will  rather  go  on, 
and  endeavor  to  meet  him  in  our  Father's  home  on  high." 


130 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIF. 


Among  the  most  pronounced  anti-slavery  men  of  that 
time,  Mr.  Inskip  stood  with  the  foremost.  During  the 
month  of  September,  1859,  the  question  of  slavery  had  been 
freely  discussed  at  the  New  York  Preachers'  Meeting,  and 
during  the  following  month,  some  twenty-one  or  two  spent 
the  day  with  him  at  the  parsonage.  What  then  transpired, 
is  not  recorded,  but  the  brethren  are  alluded  to  as  "  all  of 
the  right  stamp,  and  generally  confident  of  success  at  the 
ensuing  conference,"  which  was  to  convene  the  next  spring 
at  Stamford,  Conn.  The  anticipated  conflict  is  outlined  by 
Mr.  Inskip,  as  follows  :  — 

"  Oct.  7. — There  is  a  deeply  laid  scheme  of  the  enemy  to 
disturb  our  peace.  Some  of  our  ministers  and  laymen,  have 
been  induced  to  form  an  association,  the  professed  object  of 
which  is  to  prevent  all  action,  looking  to  a  change  of  our 
'General  Rule'  on  the  subject  of  slavery.  It  is  contem- 
plated by  this  association,  to  introduce  the  subject  for  con- 
sideration in  our  several  churches.  The  agitation  that  must 
ensue,  will  be,  of  course,  very  violent.  I  shall  use  my  best 
endeavor  to  prevent  it.  My  views  are  well  known  to  the 
world.  I  am  a  thorough  abolitionist,  yet  I  most  seriously 
deprecate  the  introduction  of  the  subject  among  our  lay- 
brethren.  Our  opponents  will  see  their  mistake,  but  not,  I 
fear,  until  it  will  be  too  late  to  remedy  it." 

Oct.  12,  he  adds :  "  It  begins  to  require  some  effort  to  re- 
sist the  controversial  spirit,  upon  the  question  of  slavery. 
It  is  my  most  earnest  prayer,  that  I  may  be  preserved  from 
undue  excitement.  I  don't  want  anything  to  divert  my  at- 
tention from  the  great  work  to  which  I  am  called." 

When  events  are  reviewed  from  the  distance,  their  outline 
is  the  more  easily  traced ;  but  in  their  very  midst,  Bro.  In- 
skip seems  to  have  caught  the  prophetic  meaning  of  their 
significance,  for  on  Oct.  19th  he  writes:  "Great  excitement 
all  over  the  country,  produced  by  an  outbreak  at  Harper's 


PASTORATE  IN  THE  METROPOLIS.  1"! 

Ferry,  Va.,  headed  by  a  certain  mm  nann  d  Brown.  It 
seems  that  he  has  been  influenced  by  a  spirit  of  revenge ; 
however,  there  are  indications  that  he  sought  the  freedom  of 
the  slaves.  This  method  of  securing  the  abolition  of  slav- 
ery, is  not  only  treasonable,  but  likewise  impracticable.  No 
doubt  the  time  will  come  —  indeed  it  may  now  be  upon  us  — — 
when  violence  and  bloodshed  will  follow  as  the  legitimate 
result  of  the  fearful  wrongs  of  slavery.  Jefferson  might 
well  say,  '  I  tremble  for  my  country,  when  I  think  God  is 
just.'  The  retributions  of  Providence  may  mete  out  to  the 
slaveholders  a  fearful  recompense.  Every  right-minded 
Christian  and  patrioc,  must  regret  all  such  measures.  We 
may,  however,  regret  many  things  that  we  cannot  prevent." 

Having  received  an  urgent  invitation  from  the  brethren 
of  Ninth  Street  M.  E.  Church,  he  became  their  pastor  at  the 
ensuing  conference,  May,  1860.  Notwithstanding  his  fears 
of  great  excitement,  he  afterwards  speaks  of  the  conference 
session  as  "  a  delightful  time,"  and  of  his  new  appointment 
as  "highly  satisfactory  to  us."  Among  the  early  intima- 
tions of  a  successful  year,  he  writes  of  a  social  visit  on  the 
part  of  the  "  stewards  and  leaders  "  to  the  Sunday-school 
teachers'  meeting,  after  which  all  went  to  the  parsonage, 
and  Mr.  Inskip  writes  :  "  Our  prospects  for  a  good  time  are 
very  encouraging.  It  seems  to  me,  that  I  will  endeavor  to 
make  this  the  best  year  of  my  life.  The  Lord  aiding  me,  I 
will  do  more  for  His  praise  and  glory  than  ever.  Oh  for 
grace,  to  make  a  full  consecration  to  God !  " 

That  he  was  very  happy  in  his  new  charge,  in  both  preach- 
ing and  pastoral  visitation,  is  frequently  alluded  to  by  him 
in  his  diary.  But  beyond  this,  he  often  alludes  to  his  deep 
interest  in  the  great  question  of  the  hour,  and  on  May  11th 
writes  :  "  Went  to  Cooper  Institute,  and  heard  speeches  by 
prominent  anti-slavery  men.  Came  away  with  the  impres- 
sion  that   'Methodist  anti-slaveryism '  is  a  very  feeble 


132 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  INSKIP. 


affair.  We  are  far  —  very  far  —  behind  these  men  in  the  advo- 
cacy of  the  right.  I  hear  nothing  special  from  the  General 
Conference ;  presume  that  upon  the  slavery  question  they 
will  do  little  or  nothing,  except  to  make  a  great  noise." 

In  his  own  religious  experience,  there  was  at  this  time  a 
marked  improvement.  He  expresses  himself  as  beginning 
to  feel  as  in  former  years,  in  preparation  for  his  pulpit 
labors.  "I  trust,"  he  writes,  "that  the  Lord  will  continue 
to  bless  me.  Life  is  so  short  and  uncertain,  that  I  must 
improve  every  opportunity  for  doing  good.  The  work  of  a 
minister  of  the  Gospel  is  really  a  privilege,  as  well  as  a 
duty.  The  multitudes  around  us  who  are  in  the  broad  road 
to  ruin,  should  excite  us  all  to  most  earnest  and  diligent 
efforts.  The  attention  of  the  church  must  be  directed  more, 
to  this  matter,  or  we  shall  have  the  '  blood  of  souls '  upon 
us." 

The  steamship  Great  Eastern,  being  in  New  York  harbor, 
about  two  thousand  persons  made  an  excursion  in  her  to 
Cape  May,  Mr.  Inskip  being  among  the  number.  The  ex- 
cursionists returned  after  an  absence  of  three  days,  and  al- 
though the  trip  was  much  enjoyed  by  him,  after  his  return 
he  writes:  "Very  much  fatigued.  Such  sport  is  very 
laboi  ious.  There  is  nothing  so  delightful  as  to  keep  steadily 
on  in  the  regular  duties  of  life.  The  recreative  seasons  are 
apt  to  leave  unpleasant  influences,  and  injure  our  souls." 

August  10,  1SC0,  was  the  anniversary  of  his  birth,  and  is 
observed  with  the  reflection:  "To-day,  I  enter  upon  the 
forty-fifth  year  of  my  age.  Time  is  fearfully  rapid  in  its 
flight.  It  appears  but  a  short  period  since  I  was  a  boy  in 
the  city  of  Wilmington  ;  but  how  many  changes  have  been 
wrought  since  then.  More  than  twenty-five  years  I  have 
been  endeavoring  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  I  never  loved 
the  work  more  than  I  do  now.  1  would  consecrate  the  re- 
maining part  of  my  time  here  below,  to  God." 


PASTORATE  IN  THE  METROPOLIS. 


133 


During  the  summer  of  1860,  Mr.  Inskip  visited  the  camp- 
meetings  at  Sing-Sing,  Falls  Village,  and  Paulings,  on  the 
Harlem  R.  R.,  at  each  of  which  he  preached,  and  from 
which  he  usually  returned  to  his  Sabbath  services  in  Ninth 
Street,  where  he  speaks  of  "  the  power  of  God  visiting  the 
people,  and  many  conversions  taking  place  as  ihe  result." 

The  nomination  and  election  of  Mr.  Lincoln  to  the  presi- 
dency of  the  United  States,  occurring  in  the  fall  and  winter 
of  1860-61,  was  attended  with  great  excitement,  both  North 
and  South,  and  the  war  of  the  rebellion  was  ushered  in. 
During  all  these  stirring  events,  Mr.  Inskip  took  a  deep  in- 
terest in  public  affairs,  and  especially  in  the  maintenance  of 
the  authority  of  the  national  government.  At  the  confer- 
ence of  1861,  he  was  returned  for  a  second  year  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  Ninth  Street  M.  E.  Church,  and  after  a  brief 
reference  to  this,  he  writes":  "The  war  has  commenced,  and 
the  sensation  that  has  followed  cannot  be  described.  No 
language  can  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  the  movement 
among  all  classes  of  citizens.  The  whole  North  seemed  in- 
stantly to  spring  to  arms.  Hundreds  of  thousands  of  men 
seem  ready  to  respond  to  the  call  of  the  president ;  and  we 
are  now  in  the  midst  of  preparations  for  the  mighty  struggle. 
The  South  will  not  recede,  and  the  North  cannot.  We  shall 
put  into  the  struggle  the  whole  power  of  the  North  —  all 
our  men  and  money  —  for  the  support  of  the  government. 
We  hope  to  be  victorious.  What  then  will  follow,  we  can- 
not tell.    Slavery,  however,  will  be  destroyed."  * 

After  Mr.  Inskip's  return,  in  enfeebled  health,  from  his 
chaplaincy  in  the  army,  he  spent  some  time  at  the  home  of 
his  father,  in  Brooklyn.  On  Aug.  20,  1862,  he  writes :  "  I 
experience  some  difficulty,  in  resuming  my  relation  to  civil 
life.    It  appears  strange,  yet  I  hope  soon  to  find  it  perfectly 

*  An  account  of  Mr.  Inskip  in  the  Army,  we  have  reserved  for  a  separate 
chapter,  which  is  to  follow. 


134 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


natural.  I  deem  it  a  great  privilege  to  go  to  the  '  house  of 
prayer  '  and  either  hear  or  preach  the  Gospel."  During  the 
succeeding  months,  he  occupied  his  time,  either  in  preaching 
or  in  public  addresses  in  the  interests  of  loyalty  to  the  gov- 
ernment, and  on  the  first  day  of  January,  1863,  was  espe- 
cially strengthened  in  his  faith  in  the  final  triumph  of  the 
Union  Army,  by  the  issuing  of  Mr.  Lincoln's  emancipation 
proclamation.  Prior  to  this  act  of  the  pr.  sident,  Mr.  Inskip 
held  the  conviction  that  not  until  a  death-blow  had  been 
given  to  this  great  national  evil,  would  the  tide  of  battle 
turn  in  favor  of  the  Union  cause ;  but  after  this,  he  looked 
upon  the  triumph  of  the  national  cause,  and  the  return  of 
peace,  as  only  a  question  of  time. 

On  Sunday,  Jan.  25,  18G3,  his  venerable  and  Christian- 
father  died  in  great  peace,  aged  seventy-five  years. 

At  the  annual  session  of  N.  Y.  East  Conference,  of  1863, 
Mr.  Inskip  was  appointed  pastor  of  the  church  at  Birming- 
ham, Conn.,  to  which  place  he  had  been  previously 
invited.  Arriving  at  the  place  of  his  new  charge,  he  was 
first  made  welcome  at  the  hospitable  home  of  Bro.  Cheese- 
man  and  family,  and  afterwards  by  the  whole  church.  Glad 
to  return  to  the  regular  work  of  the  pastorate,  he  entered 
upon  its  duties  with  great  zeal  and  earnestness.  He  at  once 
adopted  a  systematic  course  of  study  and  pastoral  visitation, 
an  1  endeavored  to  adapt  himself  to  the  more  staid  habits  of  the 
New  Euglanders,  which  were  somewhat  different  from  those 
to  which  he  had  been  for  years  accustomed.  After  laboring 
here  for  one  year,  during  which  time  many  were  converted, 
and  the  church  maintained  a  good  spiritual  condition,  he 
was  invited  to  the  pastorate  of  the  South  Third  Street  M.  E. 
Church  in  Brooklyn,  which  invitation  he  accepted,  and 
where  God  seemed  to  open  up  for  him  a  field  of  enlarged 
usefulness,  attended  with  an  experience  which  was,  doubt- 
less, the  greatest  event  in  his  life. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


ARMY  CHAPLAINCY. 

To  patriotic  men,  especially  men  of  high-blood  born,  there 
is  a  strange  fascination  in  the  perils  and  exciting  vicissitudes 
of  military  service.  But  while  Mr.  Inskip  was  a  patriot  of 
the  most  pronounced  type  and  character,  possessing  a  nature 
strong  with  lightning  forces,  he  entered  the  army  as  a 
minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  with  no  animosity  towards  the 
South ;  but  in  his  great  soul  of  sympathy  he  felt  that  the 
men  who  were  ready  to  lay  down  their  lives  for  their  coun- 
try's cause,  had  a  just  claim  upon  his  most  earnest  labors 
for  their  spiritual  welfare 

Mr.  Inskip  was  constitutionally  and  religiously  opposed 
to  slavery.  Soon  after  his  marriage,  through  his  and  his 
wife's  influence,  her  mother  (of  Maryland)  was  induced  to 
make  provision  for  freeing  her  slaves.  In  later  years,  when- 
ever the  question  was  up  in  his  conference  for  discussion, 
he  was  always  on  the  side  of  the  weak  and  the  oppressed.  It 
is  very  evident,  therefore,  that  he  comprehended  the  nature 
of  the  conflict  between  the  North  and  the  South,  as  involv- 
ing this  vexed  question  ;  for  it  was  asserted  by  Mr.  Stephens, 
the  political  genius  of  Georgia,  to  be  "the  chief  corner- 
stone of  the  New  Republic."  To  him  it  was  like  a  vision. 
When  the  first  gun,  fired  on  Fort  Sumpter,  awoke  the  nation 
from  its  slumbers,  the  leaders  of  the  confederacy  regarded 
it  as  the  signal  of  their  triumph  and  the  funeral  knell  of 

135 


136 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


the  Union ;  but  he  interpreted  it  as  the  announcement  of  a 
new  era  of  enlarged  freedom,  and  of  a  more  permanent 
peace  throughout  the  broad  realm  of  our  national  inheri- 
tance. 

Mr.  Inskip's  feelings,  and  the  motives  that  prompted  him 
to  accept  the  chaplaincy  of  the  Fourteenth  Brooklyn  Eegi- 
ment,  are  intimated  in  a  letter  written  to  his  father,  from 
Washington,  D.  C,  May  22,  1861,  as  follows :  — 

"  Bear  Father,  — We  are  just  about  starting  to  go  to  our  encanp- 
ment,  and  I  embrace  the  opportunity  to  write  a  few  lines  to  you.  I 
have  been  strangely  and  wonderfully  favored  of  the  Lord. 

"  Tbe  novelty  of  my  position  is  very  great  ,  almost  too  great,  indeed, 
for  me  to  realize.  Yet  I  am  conscious  of  being  in  the  line  of  duty. 
God  is  with  me,  and  graciously  favors  me  with  His  presence  and  blessr 
ings.  I  expect  to  win  many  stars  for  my  crown  of  glorification  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  No  motive  influenced  me  in  this  movement  bat 
an  earnest  desire  to  do  good.  I  have  made  great  sacrifices  in  coming 
here.    But  sacrifice  in  these  times  is  glory  1" 

After  reaching  Camp  Wool,  near  Washington,  a  letter  writ- 
ten to  his  wife,  May  25,  expresses  his  feelings  and  motives 
more  fully  in  going  to  the  war.    He  says  :  — 

"My  Bear  Wife,  —  After  leaving  you  at  Jersey  City,  I  felt  for  a 
time  sad  enough.  It  was  really  a  season  of  the  most  pungent  grief. 
It  was  not  until  then  tbat  I  fully  realized  our  temporary  separation. 
We  have  so  long  and  so  pleasantly  toiled  together,  that  I  scarcely 
know  how  to  act  in  my  isolated  condition.  Yet  I  felt  assured  of 
Divine  aid,  and  deemed  it  a  privilege  to  make  the  sacrifice  for  the 
cause  of  my  country  and  the  glory  of  God.  Of  the  fitness  and  pro- 
priety of  my  course,  I  bave  never  had  one  moment's  doubt  or  hesita- 
tion. My  mind  in  this  respect  is  as  clear  as  the  light  of  noon-day. 
I  have  a  steady,  peaceful  sense  of  the  presence  and  blessing  of  God." 

After  speaking  of  the  route  of  the  regiment  from  New 
York  to  Philadelphia  as  a  continued  ovation,  and  at  other 
places  (excepting  a  few  that  need  not  be  mentioned),  he 


ARMY  CHAPLAINCY. 


137 


mentions  the  first  dress  parade  on  Pennsylvania  Avenue, 
which  attracted  great  attention,  and  won  for  the  regiment 
universal  applause. 

In  a  vein  of  pleasantry  he  wrote :  — 

"  I  wish  you  could  have  seen  the  officers  mess  at  their  first  supper. 
It  was  about  half-past  eight  iu  the  evening  when  some  thirty  of  us, 
weary  and  hungry,  sat  down  to  our  homely  repast.  The  moon  was 
shining  brightly  upon  us,  as  we  took  our  tin  plates  and  cups  in  hand  ; 
but  amid  the  clatter  of  knives  and  dishes,  and  the  hearty  mirth  and 
jollity  of  the  moment,  there  were  occasional  pauses  of  deep  thought- 
fulness.  A  glance  around  suggested  that  the  brave,  war-clad  heroes 
were  thinking  of  home  and  loved  ones  far,  far  away  These  pauses 
were  protracted  and  long  enough  to  hear  angels  whisper —  "  Remember 
the  star-spangled  banner,  and  vow  it  shall  wave  o'er  the  land  of  the 
free  and  the  home  of  the  brave."  Again  the  work  of  the  moment 
would  be  resumed  ;  and  again  the  pause,  and  solemn  reflection  would 
return.    What  strange  extremes  that  half  hour  included  !" 

Thus  after  speaking  of  the  peculiarities  of  camp-life,  he 
closes  his  letter  by  a  statement  that  the  regiment  is  a  happy 
and  united  band,  bound  together  by  high  patriotic  sentiment 
and  brotherly  love. 

It  may  not  only  be  a  matter  of  interest,  but  it  may  also 
give  a  fuller  view  of  his  purpose  in  taking  his  position  as  a 
chaplain  in  the  army,  by  giving  some  extracts  from  a  letter 
written  from  Camp  Wool  to  the  Ninth  St.  Church,  New 
York  City,  of  which  he  was  pastor.  May  28,  1861,  he 
writes  as  follows :  — 

"  My  Dear  Friends  and  Brethren, —  By  a  strange  providence  I 
have  been  called  to  the  field  of  strife.  My  business  is  to  preach  the 
Gospel  of  peace  to  mankind,  and  to  induce  men  to  love  each  other, 
and  to  do  good  even  to  their  enemies.  To  accomplish  such  a  work, 
at  a  great  sacrifice,  I  have  come  hither.  What  a  work  it  is  !  I  pre- 
sumed it  to  be  important,  before  an  opportunity  occurred  for  me  to 
judge  of  it  by  present  observation.  Now  that  I  am  here  and  the 
whole  matter  is  plainly  presented  to  my  mind,  I  really  cannot  tell  how 


138 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IKSEIP. 


I  am  burdened  with  the  magnitude  of  the  enterprise.  The  thousands 
who  have  come  here  prepared  '  to  do  or  die '  for  the  honor  of  their 
country's  flag  and  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  land,  should  most 
certainly  be  cared  for.  Whoever  else  may  be  neglected,  those  noble 
souls  must  be  cared  for. 

"  You  will,  however,  naturally  expect  a  detail  of  my  circumstances 
and  operations.  No  opportunity  has  occurred  for  any  definite  religi- 
ous movement  until  we  reached  our  encampment.  Prayer-meetings 
have  been  held  in  many  of  the  tents.  Sometimes  you  could,  without 
much  effort,  conceive  yourself  at  a  camp-meeting.  Prayer  and  praise 
may  sometimes  be  heard  in  almost  every  direction.  For  such  an  ex- 
hibition of  moral  courage  as  is  implied  in  this,  great  determination  is 
required.  Of  course  the  men  who  thus  hold  up  the  banner  of  the 
cross,  are  in  the  minority.  Surrounded  as  they  are,  it  is  a  striking 
demonstration  of  the  high  tone  of  moral  sentiment  by  which  they  are 
governed,  that  they  stand  up  for  Jesus.  In  the  ordinary  congrega- 
tions of  Christian  worshippers  at  home,  men  may  readily  acknowledge  - 
Christ ;  but  here,  when  there  is  so  much  to  distract  and  annoy,  only 
those  who  have  the  root  of  the  matter  in  them  can  muster  courage 
to  be  on  '  the  Lord's  side.'  Such  persons  need  a  leader  and  a  guide. 
God  has  called  me  to  this  work.    May  I  have  grace  to  perform  it. 

"  Our  first  Sabbath  service  was  held  in  a  grove  contiguous  to  our 
camp.  The  troops  were  formed  into  a  hollow  square  ;  the  flag  and 
officers  in  the  centre.   All  joined  in  singing, 

•  Blow  ye  the  trumpet,  blow, 
The  gladly  soleiun'sound,' 

to  the  good  old  tune  '  Lenox.'  I  never  heard  so  sweet  a  sound. 
Earnest  prayer  was  offered  up  to  God.  All  hearts  seemed  united  in 
one,  when  we  came  to  the  merey-s.eat  and  implored  the  Divine  bless- 
ing upon  those  we  had  left  behind,  the  cause  we  had  come  to  de- 
fend, our  country  and  the  world." 

Then  he  adds :  — 

"The  Lord  gave  me  much  freedom  in  speaking  from  the  108th 
Psalm  and  13th  verse,  —  'Through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly.'  The 
deep  seriousness  and  general  attention  given  by  all  present  were  truly 
remaikable.  The  showy  costume  of  the  soldiers,  the  glitter  of  arms, 
the  waving  flag  of  stars,  the  song  of  praise,  and  the  almost  oppressive 
solemnity  of  the  hour,  rendered  it  an  occasion  never  to  be  forgotten. 


ARMY  CHAPLAINCY. 


139 


The  three  who  were  with  the  Redeemer  on  the  Mount  of  Transfigura- 
tion, could  not  have  felt  holier  joys  than  many  felt  who  were  present 
and  participated  in  the  first  public  religious  service  of  the  Fourteenth 
Regiment.  In  the  afternoon  we  held  a  highly  interesting  prayer- 
meeting  ;  all  denominations  of  Christians  were  represented.  The 
day's  labor  resulted  in  a  number  of  remarkable  conversions." 

Then,  with  the  spirit  of  a  prophet,  he  proceeds  to  say :  — 

"  How  long  the  war  will  last,  I  cannot  tell.  I  will,  however,  ven- 
ture to  predict  that  it  will  not  cease  until  the  'star-spangled  banner' 
shall  wave  in  triumph  o'er  all  the  land,  and  everywhere,  —  North 
and  South,  East  and  West, —  this  soul-inspiring  symbol  of  our  national 
strength  and  glory,  will  be  respected  and  sustained.  When  that  good 
time  will  come,  I  know  not ;  but  it  will  come.  The  Lord  hasten  it  I 
There  will  be  no  peace  till  then.  Pray  for  the  soldiers,  —  especially 
those  under  my  care." 

In  his  second  letter  to  the  same  church,  June  5,  he 
writes :  — 

"I  have  not  had  either  time  or  disposition  to  go  beyond  the 
immediate  neighborhood  of  our  encampment.  All  my  interest  is 
centred  here.  My  thoughts  are  occupied  by  the  one  fearful  and 
startling  fact  that  we  are  at  war  !  What  an  awful  truth  is  this  ! 
Were  the  war  conducted  against  a  foreign  nation  it  would  be  hard 
enough.   But  we  are  here  to  fight  our  brethren  ! 

"  The  exposure  and  perils  incident  to  a  campaign  such  as  we  have 
entered  upon,  give  great  weight  and  responsibility  to  the  relation  I 
have  assumed.  This  responsibility  sometimes  almost  overwhelms  me. 
The  hundreds  of  souls  committed  to  my  charge  must  be  faithfully 
warned  and  earnestly  taught  the  way  of  life.  The  opportunities  for 
doing  this  are  not  the  most  favorable.  The  intervals  between  the 
times  assigned  to  military  duty  are  brief,  but  when  they  do  occur,  I 
cheerfully  embrace  them  to  do  what  I  can  to  promote  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  these  noble-hearted  men.  The  officers  of  the  regiment 
appreciate  the  importance  of  promoting  morality  and  religion  ;  and 
they  cheerfully  give  their  countenance  and  co-operation  to  my 
efforts." 

On  the  eleventh  of  June  he  wrote:  — 


140 


LIFE  OF  JOUN  S.  IWSKIP. 


"You  are  at  home,  surrounded  by  all  the  endearments  of  domestic 
bliss.  I  am  in  the  midst  of  a  company  of  armed  men.  You  sit  down 
quietly  in  the  sanctuary.  I  worship  God  with  the  instruments  of 
death  on  every  hand.  You  listen  to  the  sweet  songs  of  Zion.  I  hear 
the  bowlings  of  the  'dogs  of  war.'  In  all,  however,  I  am  wonderfully 
supported  by  the  grace  of  God.  My  mind  was  never  more  peaceful. 
My  faith  in  the  Almighty  was  never  more  firm.  I  am  unspeakably 
happy  in  the  Rock  of  my  salvation.  I  most  truly  deprecate  the 
calamity  that  has  befallen  our  country.  The  storm  cloud  gathers  with 
feat  fill  aspect,  and  soon  the  dreadful  work  of  death  must  begin.  If 
it  please  God  to  permit  it,  I  most  earnestly  desire  to  follow  the  dying 
warrior  until  bis  noble  soul  shall  pass  away.  As  I  have  often  said, 
my  mission  is  one  of  peace  and  kindness.  I  am  here  to  heal  rather 
than  to  wound,  —  to  make  alive  rather  than  to  kill. 

"  It  is  a  matter  of  gratitude  to  God  that  many  of  these  high-souled 
men  are  truly  devoted  Christians.  The  object  of  such  in  coming 
here  was  not  to  slay  and  destroy,  but  to  sustain  the  constitution  and 
laws.  They  are  not  so  much  the  enemies  of  the  South,  as  they  are 
the  friends  of  good  government.  They  do  not  hate  their  foes,  but 
rather  love  their  country  and  its  glorious  flag  of  stars.  To  sustain 
this  symbol  of  our  nat  ional  sovereignty  and  glory,  no  effort  should 
be  spared,  no  sacrifice  is  too  great." 

On  the  twenty -fifth  of  June  he  wrote :  — 

"I  would  not  exchange  my  position  with  any  living  man.  I  am 
here  where  God  has  placed  me.  The  glorious  flag  of  our  country 
protects  me,  and  a  thousand  true-hearted  men  stand  ready  to  die  that 
its  honor  may  be  vindicated.  No  man  ever  felt  more  proud  that  he 
could  say, '  I  am  an  American  citizen,'  than  I  do.  The  Lord  continues 
to  bless  me  in  the  discharge  of  my  duty.  Every  day  brings  fresh  en- 
couragement to  further  effort  in  my  Master's  cause.  I  am  glad  that 
it  is  my  privilege  here  to  proclaim  the  glorious  Gospel  of  Christ.  I 
pray  constantly  that  our  enemies  may  see  the  error  of  their  ways, 
and  be  converted  into  good  and  loyal  patriots." 

This  little  prayer  reveals  the  true  inwardness  of  the 
man. 

During  the  time  of  his  active  relation  to  the  Fourteenth 
Eegiment,  no  chaplain  in  the  army  was  more  devoted  to  the 


ARMY  CHAPLAINCY. 


141 


welfare  of  those  under  his  spiritual  supervision.  No  oppor- 
tunity for  religious  services  was  neglected.  Prayer-meet- 
ings were  held,  and  personal  advice  and  admonition  were 
given  on  all  suitable  occasions.  And  for  the  greater  en- 
couragement and  protection  of  the  morals  of  the  regiment, 
he  organized  a  society,  designated  "  The  Chapel  Association 
of  the  Fourteenth  Kegiment  of  the  New  York  State 
Militia." 

The  object  of  this  Association  was  as  follows :  "  The 
object  of  this  society  shall  be  the  promotion  of  morality 
and  religion  among  its  members,  and  to  persuade  others  to 
turn  from  the  error  of  their  ways." 

We  mention  this  association  to  show  how,  in  every  way, 
Mr.  Inskip  labored  to  benefit  the  members  of  the  regiment 
under  his  charge.  This  association,  together  with  a  library 
and  tent,  as  a  reading-room,  with  conveniences  for  writing, 
to  accommodate  and  encourage  the  soldiers,  was  a  means  of 
diverting  the  attention  of  many  from  dissipating  associations 
and  habits.  Also,  a  large  tent  given  by  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association  of  Brooklyn,  furnished  with  ample 
accomodations  for  the  meetings  of  the  whole  regiment, 
was  often  the  scene  of  wonderful  displays  of  the  power  and 
presence  of  God.  Not  infrequently  the  officers  and  their 
staffs,  from  head-quarters,  were  present  at  the  services. 
Prayer  meetings,  temperance  meetings,  and  concerts  of  in- 
strumental and  vocal  music,  were  given,  with  recitations  and 
discussions,  once  a  week,  so  that  every  evening  was  occu- 
pied in  these  ways  for  the  improvement  and  entertainment 
of  the  regiment,  and  all  others  desiring  to  attend.  But  one  of 
the  most  interesting  meetings  of  the  week,  was  a  meeting 
for  religious  experience,  in  which  all  denominations  partici- 
pated. Mr.  Inskip's  journal  shows,  also,  with  what  tender 
solicitude  he  sympathized  with  the  soldiers.  Their  Inn  *  and 
heavy  marches,  their  exposure  to  storms  and  cold,  greatly 


142 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


oppressed  him.  Though  he  was  often  drenched  with  rain, 
and  chilled  with  biting  frosts,  he  seldom  spoke  of  himself; 
but  his  pity  was  excited  for  the  men.  It  often  occurs  in  his 
diary :  "  Terrible  rain-storm  all  day,  —  worse  at  night. 
How  much  our  men  must  suffer !  Poor  fellows,  I  am  very 
sorry  for  them."  His  heart  was  tender  as  a  woman's,  and 
his  love  poured  out  streams  of  pity,  and  inspired  deeds  of 
kindness  to  all. 

A  few  extracts  from  a  letter  respecting  the  battle  at  Bull 
Run,  may  be  of  interest. 

July  23,  1861,  he  wrote  to  his  wife  as  follows  :  — 

"  Of  course  you  have  heard  of  our  disaster.  The  struggle  was  a 
fearful  one,  and  many,  very  many,  of  our  poor  fellows,  are  now  sleeping 
that  sleep  from  which  there  is  no  waking. 

"  The  battle  commenced  on  Sunday  at  about  half-past  eleven  o'clock. 
The  roar  of  the  artillery,  and  the  discharge  of  musketry,  was  perfectly 
terrific.  We  occupied  as  a  hospital  a  good  farm-house,  which  was  con- 
tiguous to  the  field,  and  being  surrounded  by  beautiful  shade  trees,  was 
eminently  well  calculated  for  the  purpose.  The  yellow  flag  was 
hoisted  in  front  of  the  house.  Soon  the  fearful  work  began,  and  the 
wounded  men  were  brought  in.  It  was  a  sad  sight ;  —  one,  indeed,  I 
hope  never  to  see  again. 

"  At  first  the  Confederate  forces  gave  way,  and  but  for  some  singular 
mismanagement  we  would  have  won  the  battle.  We  really  had  more 
than  half  succeeded.  But  for  some  cause,  I  know  not  what,  our  suc- 
cess was  not  followed  up,  and  the  fortune  of  the  day  turned  against 
us.  A  panic  spread  among  our  forces,  and  it  was  impossible  to  rally 
hem.  Our  colonel  was  wounded  and  brought  from  the  field  on 
a  litter.  I  found  him  in  a  small  house  with  a  few  of  our  regiment. 
I  proposed  that  the  surgeon  and  I  would  remain  and  take  care  of 
him  ;  but  the  suggestion  was  considered  unadvisable.  So  he  was 
carried  by  our  noble  men  about  seven  miles.  We  then  got  him  into 
an  ambulance  wagon.  I  continued  with  the  ambulance  for  three  or 
four  miles  further,  when  we  came  to  a  bridge  which  was  glutted  by 
men  and  teams  crowding  across,  and  which  was  also  enfiladed  by  the  en- 
emies' artillery.  As  for  myself,  I  saw  it  was  of  no  use  to  wait  to  cross 
the  bridge,  so,  with  many  others,  I  forded  the  stream,  and  thus  es- 
caped to  the  other  side,  beyond  the  reach  of  the  missiles  of  death. 


ARMY  CHAPLAINCY. 


143 


After  resting  a  short  time  in  the  camp  of  the  Garibaldi  Guard,  some 
two  miles  further  on,  I  gave  God  thanks  for  my  single  biscuit  ami  a 
di  ink  of  water,  and  said  to  myself,  My  wife  is  praying  for  me:  I  shall 
get  through.  Though  scarcely  able  to  stand,  I  trudged  along  about 
two  miles  more,  and  found  to  my  dismay  that  the  regiment  had  left. 
I  had  then  marched  about  forty  miles  that  day,  and  saw  at  once  I 
must  have  help,  or  give  up.  Just  then  I  saw  one  of  the  heavy  wag- 
ons belonging  to  the  regiment,  standing  a  little  way  ahead,  which 
had  strangely  got  behind  the  rest.  I  hailed  it,  and  got  in  and  rode 
the  balance  of  the  way.  This  deliverance,  I  firmly  believe,  was  in 
answer  to  prayer.  Praise  the  Lord  1  We  thought  at  first,  that  half 
of  our  regiment  had  been  killed  or  wounded  ;  for  they  were  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight !  But  seventy-five  will  doubtless  cover  the  num- 
ber of  both  the  killed  and  wounded.  Our  camp  is  near  Washington. 
I  have  a  great  work  here  to  do,  by  encouraging  the  men,  and  attend- 
ing to  the  sick,  and  writing  letters  to  the  friends  of  the  poor  fellows 
that  fell  upon  the  field  of  strife.  Indeed,  now  is  really  the  time  for  me 
to  be  of  essential  service.  A  golden  opportunity  to  do  something  for 
the  glory  of  God,  is  now  before  me." 

Soon  after  the  battle  of  Bull  Bun,  Mrs.  Inskip  having 
heard  that  her  husband  had  returned  from  that  terrible  con- 
flict very  much  prostrated  from  the  long  and  exhaustive 
marches,  hastened  to  join  him  near  Washington,  where  the 
regiment  was  encamped.  His  joyful  surprise  may  be  im- 
agined, when  entirely  unexpected,  her  carriage  drove  into  the 
camp  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  she  announced 
herself  at  the  door  of  his  tent.  But  her  coming  proved  a  great 
blessing  to  many  poor  sufferers.  For  the  next  day,  as  the 
wounded  men  were  brought  in  from  the  field,  she,  with  her 
husband,  devoted  herself  to  the  work  of  caring  for  them  and 
for  the  sick. 

Mrs.  Inskip,  at  different  times,  and  in  different  camps, 
spent  in  all  some  nine  months  with  her  husband  ;  laboring 
with  him  to  promote,  in  every  way,  the  temporal  comfort 
an  1  spiritual  welfare  of  the  regiment.  She  was  especially 
helpful  in  the  religious  services.    Speaking  of  the  wonderful 


144 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


meetings  held  in  chapel  tent,  she  said :  "  I  never,  no,  never, 
shall  forget  one  meeting  where  hundreds  rose  for  prayers, 
many  of  whom  experienced  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  the 
evidence  of  their  acceptance  with  God." 

"When  orders  came  for  the  regiment  to  move,  March  10th, 
1862,  Mrs.  Inskip  returned  to  Baltimore. 

Mr.  Inskip  remained  with  the  regiment,  devoted  to  his 
duties,  after  the  engagement  at  Bull  Run,  until  the  follow- 
ing spring,  hoping  for  something  more  active  and  effective 
in  restoring  peace  to  the  nation,  than  marching  and  counter- 
marching. His  natural  love  of  excitement,  his  ambition  to 
be  doing,  was  provoked  almost  beyond  endurance,  by  long 
delays  and  continued  suspense.  Thus  camp-life  became 
irksome  and  a  weariness  to  him.  At  the  same  time,  the 
exposure  to  storms  and  climatic  pressure,  together  with  long 
and  heavy  marches  by  night,  as  well  as  by  day,  made  serious 
inroads  upon  his  general  health.  These  facts  appear  in  the 
reasons  assigned  for  his  resignation  presented  July  14, 1862, 
while  in  camp  near  Fredericksburg,  Va.  He  says  in  his 
communication  to  Lieut.-Col.  Fowler  commanding :  — 

"  I  am  led  to  adopt  this  course  for  two  reasons  :  First,  my  health 
•will  not  justify  me  in  making  any  further  attempt  to  endure  the 
fatigue  and  exposure  of  camp  life  ;  and  secondly,  the  necessity  of  my 
services  at  home,  arising  from  the  severe  affliction  of  my  aged  father, 
which  refers  to  me  certain  important  interests,  that  imperatively  de- 
mand my  attention. 

"  Respectfully  yours, 

"  J.  S.  Inskip, 
Chaplain  Uth      T.  S.  if," 

A  similar  communication  was  forwarded  to  the  Secretary 
of  War,  accompanied  by  the  recommendation  of  Col.  Fowl- 
er. 

On  the  22d  of  July  he  received  the  following  honorable 
discharge :  — 


ARMY  CHAPLAINCY. 


145 


"  Headquarters  3d  Army  Corps,  Army  of  Virginia,  1 
Warrenton,  July  21,  1862.  J 

[Special  Order  No.  29.] 

"  The  following  named  officer  having  tendered  his  resignation,  is 
herehy  honorably  discharged  from  military  service  of  the  United 
States,  to  take  effect  from  the  date  set  opposite  his  name  :  Chaplain 
J.  S.  Inskip,  14th  Eegt.,  N.  Y.  S.  M.,  July  21,  1862. 

"By  command  Major  Gen.  McDowel. 

"S.  F.  Bartow,  A.  A.  General." 

Thus  closed  the  fourteen  months'  chaplaincy  of  Mr.  In- 
skip ;  during  which  period  his  labors  were  incessant ;  and 
few,  if  any,  were  more  successful  in  their  spiritual  work, 
and  none  more  esteemed  and  beloved. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

"wholly  and  forever  the  lord's." 

The  subject  of  entire  sanctification,  as  held  and  inculca- 
ted by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  early  engaged  Mr. 
Inskip's  thoughts.  At  the  time  of  his  ordination,  he  became 
profoundly  interested  in  the  doctrine.  When  the  solemn 
questions  were  addressed  to  him  and  others,  by  the  presid- 
ing bishop,  "  Are  you  going  on  to  perfection  ?  —  do  you 
expect  to  be  made  perfect  in  love  in  this  life  ?  —  are  you 
groaning  after  it  ?  "  —  he  could  but  feel,  as  an  honest  man, 
standing  before  God  and  His  church,  that  such  questions 
meant  more  than  official  holiness,  or  its  mere  observance  as 
a  perfunctory  duty.  He  assures  us  that  at  that  time  he 
came  very  near  to  the  reception  of  the  great  salvation.  A 
little  encouragement  from  one  who  knew  the  deep  things  of 
God,  and  had  skill  in  directing  an  honest  inquirer,  might 
have  led  him  into  the  experience  of  that  grace  which  would 
have  so  moulded  his  subsequent  life,  as  to  have  greatly  in- 
creased his  power  with  God  and  usefulness  with  men.  A 
similar  crisis  occurred  several  times  in  his  life,  but  alas, 
these  crises  were  allowed  to  pass  without  the  conscious 
reception  of  the  blessing,  leaving  him  still  only  on  the 
border  of 

"  The  land  of  rest  from  inbred  sin, 
The  land  of  perfect  holiness." 

In  two  instances,  according  to  his  own  statement,  he  did 
receive  the  great  blessing. 

146 


"WHOLLY  AND  FOHLYKH  THE  LUliD'U."  147 


A  variety  of  influences  combined  to  modify  his  views  on 
some  important  aspects  of  the  subject,  more  especially  tne 
experience.  He  firmly  held  the  dogma,  as  a  part  of  his 
Methodistic  creed.  His  denominational  pride  led  him  to 
tenaciously  contend  for  the  doctrine,  while  he  virtually  dis- 
carded the  experience.  The  doctrine  he  found  clearly 
taught  in  all  the  standard  authorities  of  his  church,  and 
knowing  it  to  be  the  central  doctrine  of  Methodism,  he  was 
constrained  to  protect  and  defend  it  on  all  suitable  occa- 
sions. Notwithstanding  his  acceptance  of  the  doctrine,  he 
became  exceedingly  hostile  to  a  profession  of  its  experience. 
This  hostility  did  not  develop  itself  iu  the  form  of  doubt  or 
skepticism  simply,  it  assumed  a  more  reprehensible  form  — 
a  deep-seated  and  unyielding  prejudice,  leading  to  the  most 
bitter  and  at  times  uncharitable  criticisms  upon  those  who 
professed  the  experience,  as  well  as  the  methods  employed 
for  its  promotion. 

In  a  book  written  by  him  in  1851,  entitled,  as  we  have 
before  seen,  "Methodism  Explained  and  Defended,"  he 
attempts  a  defense  of  the  doctrine  of  holiness.  It  is 
described  as  "that  in  which  we  teach  the  possibility  of 
man's  attaining  a  state  of  grace  in  the  present  life,  in  which 
be  will  be  made  free  from  sin." 

Alter  a  few  lines  more  of  explanation,  he  proceeds  to 
describe  the  abuses  of  the  doctrine  by  those  who  profess  it. 
Their  "  practical  inconsistencies  have  given  great  occasion  of 
stumbling  to  others."  They  are  "  wild  and  deluded  enthu- 
siasts." They  "possess  all  the  pride,  irritability,  and 
petulancy  incident  to  persons  of  their  temperament." 
They  "  cannot  endure  contradiction."  "  In  the  most  un- 
charitable manner  possible,  they  pass  judgment  upon 
all  who  do  not  happen  to  be  as  they  are."  He  finds 
also,  that  there  is  great  want  of  harmony  "  in  the  numerous 
theories  thai  have  been  published." 


148 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


"  Whether  such  a  state  may  or  may  not  be  obtained  at  the 
time  of  justification  ;  whether  instantaneous  or  progressive; 
aud  mauy  other  similar  inquiries,  which  have  been  discussed 
with  unusual  vehemency,  are  questions  of  but  little  conse- 

queuce." 

These  crude  and  unscriptural  views,  as  well  as  un-Metho- 
distic  teachings,  plainly  show  that  in  his  experience  he 
was  far  from  the  enjoyment  of  perfect  love.  His  remem- 
brance of  this  presentation  of  the  subject,  and  his  manner 
of  treating  those  who  professed  the  experience,  was,  in 
after  life,  the  occasion  of  great  humiliation  before  God  and 
his  brethren.  And  when  others  spoke  of  him  and  his  asso- 
ciates in  the  same  manner,  he  would  often  say,  "  Let  us 
bear  with  them,  for  we  did  the  same  thing."  His  only 
relief  was  in  the  fact  that  he  did  it  "ignorantly  in  unbelief." 
Still  he  regarded  the  error  a  very  grievous  one.  But  God 
graciously  forgave  all. 

He  seems  to  have  entered  into  the  experience  of  heart 
purity  at  Dickinson  College,  in  1832,  and  also  at  Sing-Sing 
Camp-meeting  in  1853.  These  experiences,  in  later  life,  he 
would  have  accepted  as  entire  sanctification.  We  have  no 
doubt  but  that  he  so  regarded  them  at  the  time. 

He  failed  to  confess  frankly  what  God  had  done  for 
him ;  he  put  his  light  under  a  bushel,  and  it  went  out,  as 
has  been  the  case  with  thousands. 

The  experience  of  1853  did  not  long  continue.  Changes 
in  pastorates,  various  forms  of  excitement,  and  a  failure  to 
confess  it,  dissipated  the  sweet  sense  of  "Beulah"  life 
which  had  charmed  him  so  much,  and  for  some  twelve  years 
he  says  little  or  nothing  upon  the  subject  except  to  com- 
plain of  those  who  professed  the  experience. 

But  for  nearly  two  years  prior  to  the  time  it  pleased  God 
to  bestow  on  him  this  grace,  he  had  been  living,  he  tells  us, 
a  more  devout  life  than  for  many  years  before.    His  per- 


"WHOLLY  AND  FOREVER  THE  LORD'S."  149 

sonal  religious  state  occupied  more  of  his  attention  than 
formerly,  and  he  was  seeking  and  receiving  a  deeper  work 
of  grace. 

On  the  thirteenth  of  April,  1864,  Mr.  Inskip  received  an 
appointment  from  the  New  York  East  Conference,  which 
held  its  session  that  year  in  Hartford,  Ct.,  to  South  Third 
St.,  Brooklyn  (E.  D.).  He  seems  from  the  beginning  of  his 
pastorate  in  this  church  to  be  improving  in  his  spiritual 
state.  Frequent  references  to  his  religious  experience  are 
made  in  his  journals  of  this  period. 

May  3,  he  says  :  "  The  Lord  is  favoring  me  with  a  good 
state  of  mind.  My  heart  is  in  the  work.  Oh  that  I  may 
have  grace  and  strength  to  labor  for  my  Master  !  " 

May  19,  he  says :  "  Had  a  profitable  day  in  my  study. 
Seem  finally  to  have  come  back  fully  to  former  ministerial 
habits.  These  had  been  so  seriously  interfered  with  by  my 
operations  as  chaplain,  that  I  feared  for  some  time  I  would 
never  be  able  to  resume  them.  However,  through  the 
Divine  blessing,  I  have  at  last  got  all  right  again.  My 
work  is  now  interesting  and  pleasant.  My  heart  is  in  it. 
I  really  love  to  work  for  the  Lord.  Oh,  may  He  grant  me 
success  !  A  wide  and  promising  field  is  open  before  me.  Oh 
that  I  may  labor  efficiently  and  with  a  single  eye !  "  The 
following  evening,  speaking  of  his  prayer-meeting,  he  says  : 
"The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  evidently  in  our  midst,  and 
all  felt  the  place  to  be  the  '  house  of  God  and  the  gate  of 
heaven.'  "  He  speaks  of  his  soul's  being  "  much  refreshed," 
the  following  Sabbath,  while  preaching  on  the  "  Pentecost." 

June  1,  he  says  :  "  Find  the  experience  of  some  of  the 
dear  old  saints  belonging  to  my  class,  very  interesting  and 
profitable."  He  says  of  his  prayer-meeting,  June  10  :  "  Our 
meetings  all  are  so  spiritual  that  we  must  certainly,  ere 
long,  reap  some  fruit." 

July  10,  of  his  Sabbath  services,  he  says  •  "  I  had  a  good 


150 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  mSZIP. 


day  It  kept  getting  better  and  better  all  day.  The  Lord 
was  with  me  in  great  mercy." 

Referring  subsequently  to  this  period,  he  says  :  "  During 
my  time  at  Birmingham,  and  especially  during  the  five 
months  I  had  labored  here,  I  was  living  closer  to  Christ 
than  I  had  done  for  many  years.  It  has  sometimes  occurred 
to  me  that  during  this  period  I  might  have  been  in  a  cer- 
tain sense, '  preparing  the  way  of  the  Lord.'  If  this,  however, 
were  the  case,  I  was  not  conscious  of  it.  Upon  the  subject 
of  entire  sanctification  my  prejudices  were  as  strong  as  ever. 
My  mind  was  in  the  dark.  I  had  no  conviction  —  that  is, 
no  special  conviction.  I  was  in  no  proper  sense  awakened 
upon  the  subject,  until  within  a  few  moments  of  the  time 
when  I  received  the  blessing." 

It  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the  country  at  that  time 
was  passing  through  the  greatest  excitement  ever  before 
known.  Mr.  Inskip  had  been  in  the  army,  and  was  deeply 
interested  in  the  movements  of  our  troops.  Gen.  Grant  was 
at  this  time  before  Richmond.  The  country  was  vibratiug 
between  hope  and  despair,  not  knowing  what  a  day  would 
bring  forth.  A  man  of  Mr.  Inskip's  temperament  would  not 
be  likely  to  remain  calm. 

August  15,  in  company  with  his  wife,  he  went  to  Sing- 
Sing  to  attend  the  annual  camp-meeting.  Mrs.  Inskip  had 
been  seeking  a  higher  and  richer  experience,  and  hoped 
that  God  might  lead  her  into  the  enjoyment  of  perfect  love 
at  that  far-famed  religious  resort.  On  Friday,  the  19th, 
she  was  Divinely  assisted  to  claim  the  blessing,  and  by 
faith  rejoiced  in  its  realization.  It  was  a  day  of  great  joy 
to  her  heart,  and  the  beginning  of  a  new  life. 

The  intelligence  of  her  experience  soon  reached  her  hus- 
band, who,  though  not  surprised,  was,  as  he  confessed, 
"  greatly  afflicted  and  mortified."  To  the  brother  who  com- 
municated the  fact  to  him,  he  returned  an  answer  of  the 


•'WHOLLY  AND  FOREVER  THE  LORD'S."  151 


most  decided  disapprobation.  This,  he  confessed,  only  in 
creased  his  embarrassment,  and  added  to  his  disappointment. 
Mr.  Inskip  had,  for  some  reason,  become  greatly  prejudiced 
against  the  experience  of  holiness.  He  felt  his  need  of 
"  more  religion,"  a  "  deeper  work  of  grace,"  and  a  "  baptism 
of  the  Spirit."  But  the  idea  of  entire  sanctification  had 
become  repulsive  to  him. 

On  their  return  to  Brooklyn,  Mrs.  Inskip  gave  a  clear 
and  ringing  testimony  in  the  church  at  the  public  prayer- 
meeting.  One  of  the  leading  members  of  the  church  ap- 
proved her  testimony,  and  expressed  the  conviction  that  it 
was  what  the  whole  church,  not  only  needed,  but  should 
seek  at  once.  Mr.  Inskip  makes  t  he  following  record  of  the 
meeting :  "  Glorious  prayer-meeting  at  night.  Looks  as  if 
the  Lord  was  about  to  do  a  great  work  among  us.  Mem- 
bers came  forward  for  prayers."  He  did  his  best  to  en- 
courage the  people  to  go  on,  but,  as  he  often  said,  he  did  not 
know  where  they  were  going.  The  impression  made  upon 
Mr.  Inskip's  mind  was  such  as  to  lead  him  to  call  upon  God 
for  a  larger  measure  of  the  Spirit,  that  he  might  the  more 
successfully  lead  souls  to  God.  His  whole  soul  seemed 
stirred  within  him,  and  he  became  wonderfully  quickened. 
And  yet  he  had  not  definitely  determined  to  seek  the  bless- 
ing of  holiness.  He  seemed  fully  convinced  that  his  wife's 
experience  was  not  only  genuine,  but  in  harmony  with  the 
Word  of  God,  and  that,  should  he  attain  unto  this  grace, 
his  usefulness  and  enjoyment  would  be  greatly  increased. 

Matters  continued  in  this  indefinite  state  until  the  follow- 
ing Sabbath,  Aug.  28.  He  was  led  to  preach,  much  against 
his  feelings,  from  Heb.  xii.  1:  "Wherefore  seeing  we  also 
are  compassed  about  with  so  great  a  cloud  of  witnesses,  let 
us  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily 
beset  us,"  etc.  He  had  unusual  liberty,  and  his  appeals 
were  uncommonly  pointed  and  direct.    He  urged  upon  his 


152 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


people  the  duty  and  importance  of  immediate  and  decisive 
action.  The  culminating  point  was  reached,  and  in  the 
most  vehement  manner  he  exclaimed:  "Brethren,  lay  aside 
every  weight !  Do  it  now.  You  can  do  it  now,  and  there- 
fore should  do  it.  It  is  your  privilege,  and  therefore  your 
duty  at  this  moment  to  make  a  consecration  of  your  all  to 
God,  and  declare  you  will  henceforth  be  wholly  and  forever 
the  Lord's  !  "  He  sought  to  make  this  point  very  clear,  and 
emphasized  it  with  increased  earnestness.  "  Let  us  now  lay 
aside  every  weight,"  he  said,  "  and  the  sin  which  doth  so 
easily  beset  us."  He  dwelt  upon  the  thought ;  and  as  he 
continued  to  urge  the  admonition,  a  voice  within  said,  "  Do 
it  yourself."  He  paused  a  moment,  and  the  admonition  was 
repeated,  "Do  it  yourself,  and  do  it  now."  Must  he  turn 
away  from  his  own  teaching,  and  urge  others  to  do  what  he 
would  not  do  himself?  He  could,  consistently,  do  nothing 
else  but  obey.  He  believed  most  fully  in  the  correctness  of 
the  views  he  had  presented,  and  urged  his  people  to  adopt. 
As  an  honest  man  he  could  not  do  otherwise  than  lead  in 
their  practical  observance.  He  was  not  long  in  deciding 
what  course  to  pursue.  In  the  same  earnest  manner  he 
said :  "  Come,  brethren,  follow  your  pastor.  I  call  Heaven 
and  earth  to  witness  that  I  now  declare  I  will  be  henceforth 
wholly  and  forever  the  Lord's."  Having  gone  so  far  as  to 
give  himself  to  God  in  an  "  everlasting  covenant,"  his  faith 
gathered  strength,  and  "looking  unto  Jesus,"  he  exclaimed 
with  unutterable  rapture,  "Jaw,  0  Lord!  wholly  and  for- 
ever thine  !  "  In  this  act  of  mingled  consecration  and  faith, 
the  great  work  was  accomplished,  and  he  was  then  and 
there  divinely  assured  of  its  consummation.  The  bliss,  the 
peace,  the  triumph  of  that  hour,  he  never  lost  sight  of.  It 
was  to  him  a  new  life. 

He  records  in  his  journal :  "  My  soul  was  indeed  wonder- 
fully blessed.    I  cannot  tell  when  I  was  ever  more  filled 


"WHOLLY  AND  FOREVER  THE  LORD'S."  153 


with  the  Spirit."  As  yet  he  had  not  formulated  the  blessing 
received.  He  only  knew  that  he  had  given  all,  and  that 
God  had  come  in  and  filled  the  human  temple.  Iu  the  even- 
ing of  that  memorable  day,  he  witnessed  about  twenty  souls 
at  his  altar  seeking  salvation,  eight  of  whom  found  peace. 
He  says :  "  It  was  truly  a  wonderful  time."  He  attended 
the  Preachers'  Meeting  the  next  day,  but  does  not  seem  to 
have  found  any  special  pleasure  in  it,  or  in  the  political 
movements  of  the  hour.  "  Matters  of  this  sort,"  he  says, 
"  do  not  so  much  interest  me  just  now.  My  mind  and  heart 
are  absorbed  in  the  great  work  of  God  which  has  com- 
menced among  us.  This  fills  my  soul  with  wondrous  delight. 
My  mind,  I  trust,  is  in  good  condition  to  labor.  I  have 
laid  all  upon  the  altar.  The  sacrifice  through  Jesus  my 
Advocate  will  be  accepted.    Praise  the  Lord  !  " 

Up  to  this  time  there  had  been  no  marked  indications  of 
a  revival  among  the  people.  But,  as  we  have  seen,  the 
same  night  after  God  had  fully  sanctified  his  soul,  eight 
persons  were  converted.  The  revival  continued  until  more 
than  three  hundred  were  converted,  and  a  large  number  fully 
sanctified,  and  a  special  meeting  for  the  promotion  of  holi- 
ness established  and  held  weekly  in  the  parsonage.  The 
change  came  upon  him  so  suddenly,  and  in  some  respects 
unexpectedly,  that  at  first  he  did  not  seem  to  be  able  to 
adjust  himself  to  his  new  experience.  He  does  not  say  that 
God  had  perfected  him  in  love,  or  sanctified  him  wholly. 
"Wholly  and  forever  the  Lord's,"  seemed  to,  as  indeed  it 
did,  cover  the  whole  ground.  But  his  joy  became  so  great, 
and  his  peace  so  deep  and  abiding,  and  his  heart  so  fille  ! 
and  fired  with  love,  that  he  could  not  refrain.  He  s:  fjl  ! 
the  company  of  the  holy,  and  confesses  the  Lord  Jesus  as  his 
perfect  Saviour. 

A  few  extracts  from  his  journal,  will  give  the  reader  some 
idea  of  his  enraptured  state  of  mind. 


154 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSEIP. 


August  31.  —  "  Oh,  how  my  heart  rejoices  in  the  love  of 
Christ !  Of  course  I  must  look  for  severe  assaults  from  the 
euemy.  But  I  feel  unspeakable  comfort  in  consecrating  my- 
self to  the  service  of  God  and  the  duty  of  my  calling." 

Sept.  2.  —  "  My  soul  is  on  fire.  Praise  the  Lord  ! "  The 
next  day,  he  says:  "Oh,  how  my  soul  does  rejoice  in  the 
Rock  of  my  salvation ! "  The  following  day,  being  the  Sab- 
bath, he  writes:  "My  soul  was  filled  with  Divine  love  and 
joy.  Language  can  give  no  adequate  idea  of  the  raptures  I 
was  permitted  to  feel.    Fifteen  found  peace  in  believing." 

On  the  ninth,  he  was  "  indisposed  all  day ; "  and  yet  he 
says:  " My  soul  was  truly  blessed.  Peace  —  sweet  peace  — 
holy  peace !  I  have  been  happy  and  joyous  before,  but 
never  so  peaceful.  The  sensation  of  triumph  and  exulta- 
tion I  have  often  felt,  but  I  never  knew  so  well  the  '  rest  of 
faith.'  I  love  God's  cause  more  and  more.  My  whole  heart 
is  in  this  work." 

Sept.  13.  —  "  Attended  Dr.  Palmer's  meeting  for  the  first 
time,  and  wonderfully,"  he  says,  "did  the  Lord  bless  me 
in  bearing  testimony  to  the  great  work  wrought  in  me  by 
this  grace.  What  peace  and  joy  I  felt!"  The  next  day, 
he  called  on  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  to  engage  them  to  come 
and  hold  meetings  the  following  week  in  his  church,  for  the 
^Bpromotion  of  holiness.  He  describes  the  interview  as  of 
the  "  most  delightful  and  satisfactory  character."  He  then 
proceeds  to  say  :  "  How  the  fire  of  Divine  love  burns  in  my 
soul !  Such  near  access  to  God  —  such  tranquil  joy  —  I  never 
knew  before.  My  soul  has  often  been  filled  with  transport, 
but  I  never  before  had  such  peace.  Oh,  sweet  peace  !  Holy 
calm  !  How  my  heart  is  thrilled  !  I  wish  I  could  put  mf 
experience  into  words.  But  language  is  too  feeble  for  such 
a  use.  Oh,  why  have  I  not  long  since  attained  this  grace  ? 
Because  I  did  not  make  the  consecration.  My  mind  had 
long  been  prejudiced  against  the  efforts  made  by  a  few 


"WHOLLY  AND  FOREVER  THE  LORD'S."  155 

godly  brethren  and  sisters  to  keep  this  flame  alive  in  our 
church.  I  said  not  much  against  them,  it  is  true.  Indeed, 
I  could  not.  The  doctrine  I  knew  to  be  of  God.  But  their 
manner  of  promoting  it  was  made  to  me,  by  the  enemy,  a 
'  stone  of  stumbling  and  a  rock  of  offense.'  It  has  pleased 
God,  however,  to  reveal  His  grace  to  me,  and  what  I  say,  I 
know  by  experience  to  be  true.  Two  weeks  ago  last  Sabbath 
morning,  preaching  on  '  Lay  aside  every  weight  and  the  sin,' 
etc.,  I  came  to  the  point  at  which  I  urged  my  dear  people  to 
say,  '  Lord,  from  henceforth  I  will  be  wholly  and  only 
Thine.'  I  importuned  them  to  follow  their  pastor,  and  ad- 
ded, 'I  call  Heaven  and  earth  to  witness  that  I  will  be 
henceforth  wholly  the  Lord's,'  and  finished  the  declaration 
by  exclaiming,  'I  am,  0  Lord!  wholly  and  forever  Thine.' 
The  work  was  then  done,  because  fully  the  Lord's.  The 
humble  offering  I  made  was  accepted,  and  I  was  at  once  in- 
troduced into  a  new  life.  Glory  and  honor  to  God  forever  ! 
I  praise  and  magnify  His  mercy  and  power.  '  He  is  all  and 
in  all.' " 

The  following  day  he  writes :  "  I  went  into  all  the  classes 
aud  gave  my  testimony."  He  further  says :  "  The  Lord  has 
graciously  enabled  me  all  day  to  use  faith  at  every  point. 
Oh,  what  a  glorious  thought,  '  we  are  saved  by  grace  through 
faith ! '  By  faith  I  came  to  the  knowledge  of  this  grace, 
and  by  faith  I  continue.  My  faith  fixes  my  attention  on 
the  infinite  merit  of  Christ  —  the  righteousness  of  my 
glorious  Saviour.  He  is  the  'Lamb  of  God  that  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world.'  Precious  Lamb !  Glorious  Re- 
deemer !  My  soul  is  filled  with  Thy  love,  and  satisfied  with 
Thy  presence." 

On  the  sixteenth  of  September,  he  writes:  "I  will  not,  I 
cannot,  dishonor  God  by  doubting.  It  seems  to  me  I  never 
shall  doubt  again.  I  live  by  faith.  Every  moment  I  need, 
and  every  moment  I  have,  the  merit  of  my  Saviour's  death." 


156  LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 

The  following  day  he  says :  "  I  feel  unspeakably  happy,  in 
that  my  mind  is  in  a  state  of  perfect  peace.  The  Word 
shines  with  increasing  brightness  upon  my  pathway.  I 
have  such  a  sense  of  the  truth.  Everything  connected  with 
religion  now  appears  to  me  so  much  more  substautial  and 
true.  Sometimes  the  adversary  suggests,  'Suppose  you 
believe  that  Christ  saves  you  and  it  turns  out  that  you  are 
deceived  ? '  But  will  He  deceive  ?  He  has  said,  '  Believe, 
and  thou  shalt  be  saved.'  I  believe,  —  I  am  saved.  That 
is  the  uniform  experience.  I  wonder  everybody  does  not 
at  once  become,  a  believer.  But  why  should  I  wonder  ? 
How  long  I  hesitated  and  doubted  !  I  must  be  ready  to 
make  all  allowance  for  those  who  halt  and  hold  back.  The 
way,  however,  is  so  delightful !  Occasionally  I  find  that 
my  will  has  much  to  do  with  my  faith.  I  perceive  more 
than  I  ever  did  before  the  propriety  of  the  chorus,  '  I  will 
believe  !  I  do  believe.'  The  will  and  the  do  —  the  determin- 
ation and  the  act  —  are  closely  allied.  What  a  man  sin- 
cerely and  earnestly  wills,  that  he  is  most  likely  soon  to  do. 
Hence,  if  a  mau  can  truthfully  sing,  1 1  will  believe,'  in  a 
little  time  he  can  also  sing,  1 1  do  believe.'  I  live  one  day 
at  a  time.  I  fully  accredit  the  Divine  promises.  I  believe 
them  all.  The  Lor  1  will  make  all  things  work  together  for 
my  good  and  His  glory.  I  can  trust  Him  —  I  do  trust  Him. 
I  can  but  rejoice  for  being  a  believer.  I  never  saw  such  a 
beauty  in  the  way  of  faith.  My  utter  unworthiness  now 
only  leads  me  the  more  highly  to  prize  the  great  merit  of 
the  Redeemer.  My  feebleness  and  peril  make  me  feel  all 
the  stronger  and  more  secure,  in  hiding  myself  behind  the 
cross.  I  am  surprised  that  long  ere  this  I  did  not  come  to 
this  glorious  state.  I  would  that  all  Christian  ministers 
felt  as  I  do." 

Thus,  from  day  to  day,  he  proceeds,  more  and  more  as- 
sured of  his  salvation  to  the  uttermost.    Before  this  wonder- 


"WHOLLY  AND  FOREVER  THE  LORD'S." 


157 


ful  change,  his  journals  teemed  with  war  news.  But  now, 
he  seldom  makes  any  reference  to  the  fearful  struggles 
which  were  shaking  the  land  from  north  to  south.  His 
theme  is  salvation,  and  the  wonderful  deliverance  which  had 
come  to  his  soul,  and  his  anxiety  to  see  others  saved.  The 
same  is  true  in  regard  to  politics.  He  says :  "  The  world 
seems  to  be  a  great  deal  excited  on  the  subject  of  politics, 
etc.  Things  of  this  kind,  just  now,  interest  me  very  little. 
Matters  of  greater  moment  occupy  my  mind.  So  far  as  I 
am  concerned,  at  present,  the  world  must  look  after  itself. 
Of  course  I  am  interested  in  the  government  of  my  country. 
Our  political  institutions  must  be  looked  after  and  preserved. 
Nevertheless,  I  do  not  feel  myself  particularly  called  to  that 
work.  My  business  is  of  another  character  entirely.  I  am 
called  of  God  to  proclaim  a  glorious  Gospel  and  a  glorious 
Saviour.  This  business  will  occupy  all  my  time,  and  call 
out  all  my  energies.  The  remainder  of  my  life  I  propose  to 
use  in  crying,  '  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away 
the  sin  of  the  world ! '  I  deem  it  a  mark  of  great  favor  and 
wondrous  mercy,  that  to  me  this  grace  is  given,  and  I  have 
the  honor  of  bearing  the  standard." 

Mr.  Inskip,  for  many  years,  had  been  an  inveterate  user 
of  tobacco.  Few  men,  it  is  believed,  used  more.  In  refer- 
ring to  the  practice,  he  used  to  say,  that  he  used  as  much, 
or  more,  than  any  other  man  of  his  time.  Up  to  the  time 
of  his  entire  sanctification,  he  had  attempted  in  vain  to 
abandon  it.  Nor  did  the  question  of  its  abandonment 
come  to  his  mind  until  several  days  after  the  great  change 
occurred.  Some  twenty  days  after,  he  writes  :  "  My  mind 
has  been  exercised  in  regard  to  the  use  of  tobacco.  I  have 
for  many  years  been  an  inveterate  smoker.  I  now  feel  dis- 
posed to  abandon  the  practice.  My  only  difficulty  relates  to 
the  effects  which  may  follow.  My  system  has  been  so  long 
under  the  influence,  that  I  fear  giving  it  up  all  at  once  may 


158 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


prove  such  a  shock  as  will  be  difficult  to  bear.  For  Christ's 
sake  I  can  most  cheerfully  make  the  sacrifice.  Praise  the 
Lord,  He  will  direct  me ! " 

A  few  days  later  he  says  :  "  I  believe  the  Lord  has  given 
me  the  victory  over  tobacco.  The  inclination  to  use  it  as  a 
mere  luxury  has  been  entirely  overcome.  Indeed,  in  one  or 
two  instances,  in  which  I  deemed  it  proper  to  use  it  med- 
icinally, my  system  seemed  disposed  to  reject  rather  than 
enjoy  it.  I  deem  this  a  wonderful  triumph.  Of  course  I 
must  expect  to  be  severely  tried,  yet  I  know  I  shall  be 
powerfully  sustained.  Divine  grace  will  make  ample  pro- 
vision for  each  and  every  emergency  that  may  arise.  I  have, 
indeed,  given  all  to  Christ.  Praise  the  Lord  ! "  It  is  only 
needful  to  say,  that  the  appetite  never  returned,  but  the 
practice  became  more  and  more  offensive  to  him,  until  he 
actually  loathed  it.  He  could  not  even  endure  the  smell  of 
tobacco.  Nothing  but  the  power  of  grace  could  have  so 
changed  a  man's  appetite  after  so  many  years  of  indulgence. 

About  two  months  later,  he  says  :  "  Until  I  received  the 
blessing  of  perfect  love,  I  did  not  deem  it  possible  to  live 
without  tobacco.  But  how  easily  I  have  laid  it  aside  !  It 
has  cost  me  little  or  no  effort,  and  certainly  no  suffering.  I 
have  made  the  sacrifice  with  perfect  ease.  The  reason  of 
this  is,  I  have  done  it  for  Christ's  sake.  It  was  not  so  much 
for  health,  for  I  could  not  perceive  that  it  was  to  me  a 
damage  in  this  respect.  Nor  did  considerations  of  frugality 
determine  me.  I  looked  at  the  influence  it  would  have  upon 
the  unconverted,  and  my  brethren.  I  asked  myself  the 
question,  '  Can  I  consistently  profess  the  blessing  of  sancti- 
fication,  and  smoke?'  My  answer  was,  'I  cannot.'  So  I 
made  the  sacrifice.  And  the  pleasure  afforded  by  the  idea 
that  I  have  done  it  for  Christ's  sake,  has  far  exceeded  the 
gratification  its  use  afforded  me." 

His  church  was  in  a  flame  of  revival.    Sinners  were  being 


"WHOLLY  AND  FOREVER  THE  LORD'S." 


159 


converted  daily,  and  believers  were  entering  into  the  experi- 
ence of  perfect  love.  He  speaks  of  his  members  being  "  in 
full  pursuit  of  the  great  baptism,"  and  of  the  "  whole  con- 
gregation "  being  "  under  the  influence  "  of  the  "  overwhelm- 
ing power"  of  the  " Spirit  of  the  Lord." 

In  meeting  a  few  friends  socially,  he  rejoiced  greatly  that 
"  the  Lord  enabled  "  him  to  keep  himself  "  free  from  the 
ordinary  damaging  influences  of  social  intercourse." 

At  another  time  he  says  :  "  Took  tea  in  company  with  a 
number  of  friends,  with  Brj.  W.  Had  a  pleasant  inter- 
view. Endeavored  to  keep  from  the  usual  evils  of  social 
communications.  On  such  occasions  we  are  apt  to  throw 
off  at  least  a  measure  of  moral  and  religious  influence,  and 
indulge  in  foolish  jesting  and  unbecoming  mirth.  Such 
things  have  a  mournful  influence  upon  the  soul.  I  earnestly 
prayed  for  the  Lord  to  guide  and  control  me,  and  He  gra- 
ciously answered  my  prayer.  We  spent  a  pleasant  evening, 
—  had  an  agreeable  talk  —  a  warm,  friendly  time,  and  came 
away  happy  and  grateful." 

Any  one  familiar  with  the  mirthful,  jesting  spirit,  in  which 
Mr.  Inskip  and  others  were  accustomed  to  indulge  when  to- 
gether, can  fully  appreciate  the  change  indicated  in  the  fore- 
going extract. 

At  first,  he  was  cautious  in  regard  to  professing  the 
experience.  Such  had  been  his  prejudices  against  all  testi- 
mony of  this  kind,  that  his  was  given  in  general  terms.  He 
was  soon  led  to  see  the  inconsistency  of  such  withholding. 
"  I  find  it  needful,"  he  says,  "  to  bear  testimony  regarding 
the  great  work  of  grace  in  my  heart.  For  a  short  time  after 
receiving  this  blessing,  I  was  inclined  to  speak  of  it  in 
general  terms,  and  rather  avoided  the  use  of  definite  terms 
and  modes  of  speech.  Probably  this  was  owing  to  certain 
prejudices  my  mind  had  formed  before  I  enjoyed  the  blessed 
influences  now  reigning  within.    It,  however,  has  been  made 


160 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


clear  as  ray  duty  on  all  proper  occasions  to  tell  the  won- 
drous story  that  the  '  blood  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth 
from  all  unrighteousness.'  '  He  sprinkles  with  clean  water,' 
and  we  certainly  ought  not  to  hesitate  to  own  the  fact,  when 
we  know  it  is  accomplished  in  us.  Numerous  objections 
are  urged  against  bearing  testimony,  but  they  may  all  be 
urged  with  equal  propriety  against  our  testifying  to  the  work 
of  justification.  If  it  be  right  and  expedient  to  own  God's 
grace  in  the  one  case,  why  not  iu  the  other  ?  The  case,  to 
my  mind,  is  a  very  plain  one.  I  hope  the  Lord  will  aid  me 
to  declare  the  wondrous  power  of  perfect  love.  It  is  true  that 
injudicious  persons  may  in  a  boastful  and  unbecoming  man- 
ner speak  of  this  blessing.  But  do  not  persons  do  this  in 
speaking  of  a  lower  state  of  religious  experience  ?  We 
must  not  on  this  account  abandon  the  duty  of  speaking  for 
the  Lord.  We  are  to  '  overcome  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb 
and  the  word  of  our  testimony.'  " 

Few  believed  that  the  work  would  long  continue.  Some  of 
his  ministerial  associates  urged  him  not  to  make  any  rash 
promises,  or  pledge  that  he  would  never  more  use  tobacco, 
etc.  "Poor  Inskip,"  they  said  "  he  is  a  jovial,  good-hearted 
fellow :  what  a  pity  that  he  should  have  gone  among  those 
holiness  fanatics  !  But  he  will  be  over  it  soon.  It  is  a  re- 
ligious spasm."  But  these  were  false  prophets.  It  was  not 
for  a  day,  but  for  life. 

For  eight  years,  subsequent  to  the  time  God  fully  sancti- 
fied his  soul,  Mr.  Inskip  kept  a  full  journal,  in  which  his 
daily  experience  is  minutely  recorded.  This  journal  cover? 
many  hundred  pages.  At  the  top  of  each  page  was  printed 
in  large,  beautiful  letters,  as  those  who  are  familiar  with  his 
chirography,  will  understand,  these  words:  "I  am,  0  Lord, 
wholly  and  forever  Thine!"  This  was  his  daily  thought, 
and  his  daily  declaration.  He  never  forgot  to  repeat  the 
words  which  opened  to  him  a  new  and  higher  life. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE. 

A  fire  had  been  kindled  in  the  soul  of  John  S.  Ihskip, 
which  could  not  be  extinguished.  He  told  his  story  of  de- 
liverance to  his  brethren  of  the  New- York  Preachers'  Meet- 
ing, producing  a  profound  impression  upon  all.  Everywhere 
he  proclaimed  the  great  salvation.  It  very  soon  became 
impressed  upon  his  mind  that  God  had  called  him  to 
special  work,  in  the  spread  of  scriptual  holiness.  He  saw 
clearly  that  its  spread  in  the  churches  meant  the  salvation 
of  the  world.  He  established  a  holiness  meeting  in  his  own 
church,  to  which  he  refers  frequently,  as  a  meeting  of  un- 
usual power.  He  says,  September  29 :  "  Our  meeting  for 
the  promotion  of  holiness  among  believers  was  larger  than 
last  week.  An  excellent  feeling  prevailed.  My  soul  was 
abundantly  refreshed  and  edified.  The  importance  of  the 
work  before  me  is  truly  great.  I  must  manfully  meet  my 
responsibilities.  The  Lord  has  done  wonders  for  me,  and 
also  for  my  dear  wife.  We  must,  therefore,  endeavor  to  do 
all  we  can  to  promote  His  glory.  This  work  I  am  confident 
must  spread  in  the  church.  The  baptism  of  fire  will  become 
general.  It  is  needed  for  the  conquest  of  the  world.  Our 
relation  to  the  movement  here  is  such  as  will  require  us  to 
be  firm  and  fearless.  We  must  take  up  the  cross  and  cheer- 
fully bear  the  reproach  of  Christ.  At  all  times  and  every- 
where we  must  hold  up  the  banner  of  salvation  —  salvation 

161 


162 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  INSEIP. 


complete  and  full.  We  may  not  expect  that  all  will  view 
our  movements  with  favor.  Of  course,  the  humble  and 
faithful  will  bid  us  God-speed,  while  the  lukewarm  and 
formal  professor  will  criticise  and  be  offended.  But  no 
matter,  so  that  God  is  glorified."  This  feeling  of  personal 
responsibility  increased  as  the  years  passed  away,  and  as 
the  work  broadened. 

Mr.  Inskip  was  always  ready  for  debate.  He  gloried 
in  a  sort  of  a  moral  gladiatorial  combat,  and  his  sharp  and 
withering  retorts  were  long  remembered.  The  grace  of  en- 
tire sanctifieation  wrought  in  him  a  marked  change  in  this 
respect.  He  says  :  "  I  have  pretty  much  lost  all  relish  for 
controversy  or  debate.  I  formerly  enjoyed  very  much  a 
well-conducted  debate,  and  relished  full  well  a  sharp  reply  or 
a  keen  retort.  But  these  edged  tools  are  rather  dangerous 
weapons.  Those  who  use  them  are  sure  to  be  wounded. 
My  interest  in  the  ascendancy  of  truth  and  the  prevalence 
of  righteousness,  was  never  so  great  as  it  is  at  the  present 
time." 

He  became  more  and  more  interested  in  the  necessity  of 
a  holy  church,  and  especially  a  holy  ministry.  We  could 
fill  pages  with  extracts  from  his  journals,  like  the  following: 
"  Our  people,  in  spirituality  and  power,  at  one  time  were  in 
advance  of  all  others.  I  regret  that  we  cannot  say  this 
now,  but  that  I  rejoice  at  the  advanced  improvement  others 
have  made.  Praise  the  Lord  for  this !  But  we  ought  to 
have  advanced,  also.  Instead  of  this,  we  have  retrograded. 
The  declension  among  us  in  this  respect  has  been  too  marked 
to  escape  the  attention  of  the  most  casual  observer.  It  is 
to  be  hoped  that  we  will  seek  to  restore  the  '  old  land-marks.' 
We  must  revive  the  old  doctrine  of  Christian  holiness. 
However  much  this  blessed  truth  has  been  abused,  we  must 
again,  and  with  renewed  earnestness,  press  it  upon  the  at- 
tention of  the  people.    The  Lord  will  have  a  holy  people 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE. 


163 


among  men.  Among  our  preachers  the  matter  is  attracting 
attention.  Oh,  how  much  more  could  be  done  if  we  all 
would  come  up  to  the  standard  of  the  Gospel,  and  live  in 
the  enjoyment  of  the  baptism  of  fire  ! " 

Notwithstanding  the  great  joy,  the  deep  peace,  which  like 
a  river  filled  his  soul,  he  was  not  without  his  conflicts.  He— 
often  speaks  of  assaults  from  Satan.  October  21,  he  says  : 
"  Satan  insinuated  that  very  likely  I  would  soon  be  called 
upon  to  endure  some  serious  trial.  For  a  brief  space  he 
seemed  very  persistent  in  his  purpose.  But  he  soon  yielded 
when  I  brought  my  faith  into  exercise.  I  can  expel  him 
better  by  leaning  on  Christ  than  in  any  other  way.  I  can- 
not successfully  argue  with  the  adversary.  In  an  argument 
he  is  more  than  a  match  for  any  of  us.  But  when  we  use 
our  shield  of  faith,  he  can  do  us  no  harm." 

Again  he  writes :  "During  the  day  I  have  been  frequently 
and  sorely  assaulted  by  the  enemy.  Yet  I  have  not  yielded, 
but  have  had  grace  to  resist  him.  Of  course  we  must  ex- 
pect to  '  fight  if  we  would  reign.'  The  cross  and  the  crown 
are.  closely  allied.  "Whoever  faithfully  bears  the  one  will 
triumphantly  wear  the  other.  My  temptations  have  been 
rather  general  than  definite  in  their  character.  That  is  to 
say,  I  have  not  been  allured  by  any  particular  enticement, 
nor  have  I  been  pressed  into  any  doubt  of  the  genuineness 
of  the  great  work  wrought  in  me.  A  sort  of  languor,  or 
rather,  weariness  and  prostration,  has  come  upon  me.  I  at- 
tribute this  to  the  undue  tax  upon  my  strength,  made  by 
the  labors  of  the  past  few  weeks.  The  wily  foe  seeing  this, 
has  sought  to  annoy  and  distress  me  by  a  kind  of  restless- 
ness and  uneasiness.  But  remembering  it  is  my  privilege 
to  cast  my  burden  on  the  Lord,  I  have  done  so,  and  I  find 
that  He  sustains  me." 

On  visiting  Greenwood,  to  observe  the  monument  he  had 
erected  over  the  remains  of  his  departed  son  and  father,  and 


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LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  INSEIP. 


beside  which  he  now  rests,  he  says :  "  Much  pleased  with 
its  appearance.  Took  mother  and  the  'boy  '  with  us.  We 
shall  all  soon  rest  in  the  tomb.  I  look  upon  the  grave  with- 
out any  unpleasant  feeling.  There  is,  of  course,  something 
disagreeable  in  the  thought  of  lying  down  in  the  dust.  It 
is,  however,  only  the  body  that  does  this.  The  soul  will, 
after  death,  be  with  Jesus.  We  love  life,  but  we  are  more 
than  willing  to  be  '  absent  from  the  body,'  that  we  may  '  be 
present  with  the  Lord.'  The  world  has  lost  all  its  charms. 
My  leading  and  central  aspiration  is  to  be  made  like  Christ. 
I  love  to  think  of  His  merit,  to  meditate  upon  His  character, 
and  to  utter  His  name.  The  infinite  fulness  of  Jesus  has 
made  ample  provision  for  all  my  need." 

One  is  at  a  loss  to  know  what  to  transcribe  from  his 
journals,  and  what  to  omit.  Every  page  glows  with  seraphic 
rapture,  —  such  expressions  as,  "  Oh,  praise  the  Lord  that  my 
eyes  have  been  opened,  and  that  I  have  had  a  view  of  the 
unseen  —  a  glimpse  of  the  invisible  !  My  work  will  soon 
be  accomplished."  "Oh,  how  my  soul  exults  in  the  fact 
that  I  can  now,  from  experience,  proclaim  a  full  salvation 
and  a  perfect  Saviour  to  all  mankind!"  "I  here  record  it 
to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God,  that  I  am  saved  —  thorough- 
ly saved  —  saved  from  sin  and  filled  with  joy  and  peace. 
My  soul  is  on  the  wing  for  immortality."  "  My  soul  was 
in  a  blissful  state  all  day.  Glory  to  God,  I  find  this  'living 
by  faith '  a  precious  way,"  etc.  Similar  expressions  appear 
on  every  page  of  his  journals. 

The  motive  governing  him  in  preaching  the  Gospel,  seems 
to  have  been  greatly  modified.  "  For  some  time  past,"  he 
says,  "  I  have  not  had  an  opportunity  for  much  pulpit  prep- 
aration. The  Lord  has  strangely  led  me  in  this  respect.  In 
several  instances,  when  I  have  prepared  to  preach  on  certain 
texts,  just  before  going  into  the  pulpit,  or  after  getting  there, 
my  mind  has  been  drawn  to  some  other  topic,  and  I  have 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE. 


165 


been  constrained  to  use  another,  and  perhaps  entirely  differ- 
ent subject.  My  labors,  nevertheless,  have  been  wonderfully 
blessed.  The  great  object  of  preaching,  is  to  lead  men  to 
Christ.  So  far  as  I  can  do  this,  I  deem  myself  successful. 
Whatever  else  I  do,  I  regard  my  work  a  failure,  unless  this 
result  be  reached.  I  never  saw  such  emptiness  and  worth- 
lessness  in  the  applause  of  men.  I  think  I  fully  appreciate 
the  good  opinion  of  my  brethren ;  but  at  the  same  time,  as 
a  motive  to  action  —  as  a  reward  of  effort  —  human  praise, 
to  my  mind,  is  utterly  valueless.  For  many  years,  I  suspect, 
I  paid  considerable  deference  to  it.  But  now,  higher 
and  nobler  impulses  prompt  me.  '  The  love  of  Christ  eon- 
strains  '  to  labor  for  souls.  It  is  a  blessed  constraint,  and 
equally  blessed  labor.  Oh,  it  is  delightful  to  work  in  such 
a  frame  of  mind  !  Praise  the  Lord,  there  is  nothing  irksome 
in  my  task.  I  am  wonderfully  helped  —  wonderfully,  in- 
deed. Frequently  I  am  compelled  to  pause  and  ask  myself 
the  question,  Is  all  this  a  dream  ?  The  revolution  is  so 
complete,  the  change  is  so  thorough,  that  I  can  scarcely  re- 
alize that  I  am  the  same  person.  Glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est!   My  soul  shall  triumph  in  the  Rock  of  my  salvation." 

He  had  reached  a  state  of  settled  peace.  His  former 
state  had  been  one  of  change  —  now  rejoicing,  and  now  in 
doubt  and  anxiety.  On  the  second  of  December,  he  says : 
"I  do  not  have  those  seasons  of  barren  coldness  which 
formerly  marked  my  experience.  The  Lord  has  mercifully 
saved  me  from  all  this  sort  of  thing,  and  I  am  enabled  to 
press  forward  in  the  path  of  duty  with  increasing  peace  and 

joy." 

The  revival  in  his  church  continued  with  unabated  inter- 
est. He  speaks  of  " four,"  "five,"  "six,"  and  even  "ten," 
coming  into  the  enjoyment  of  pardon,  and  large  numbers 
finding  a  "  clean  heart,"  from  night  to  night.  In  the  midst 
of  this  work,  he  often  utters  the  prayer,  "  Oh  that  the  whole 


166 


LIFE  OF  JOUN  S.  INSKIP 


membership  may  be  baptized  from  on  high,  and  that  salva- 
tion may  cover  the  gates  of  Zion  with  praise!" 

His  views  of  consecration  and  faith  were  clear  and  scrip- 
tural. The  great  work  wrought  in  his  heart  drove  all  mist 
from  his  intellect,  and  enabled  him  to  see  clearly  the  way  of 
faith.  He  quotes :  " '  Therefore  come  out  from  among  them, 
and  be  ye  separate,  saith  the  Lord,  and  touch  not  the  unclean 
thing,  and  I  will  receive  you,  etc'  '  Having  therefore 
these  promises,  dearly  beloved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from 
all  tilthiness  of  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in  the 
fear  of  God.'  If  we  'separate'  oui selves,  and  'touch  not 
the  unclean  thing,'  we  shall  be  received.  When,  therefore, 
we  have  made  the  consecration,  which  must  be  complete, 
embracing  our  little  all,  and  which  is  an  act  involving  a  good 
share  of  '  will  force,'  though  it  cannot  be  consummated  with 
out  Divine  aid,  —  yet  when  it  has  been  done,  it  remains  for 
us  to  take  God  at  His  word  —  to  believe  the  promise  'I  will 
receive  you.'  This  being  fully  accredited,  because  God  has 
declared  it  in  His  Word,  we  shall  go  forward,  '  perfecting 
holiness  in  the  fear  of  God.'  The  plan  is  so  easy  —  we  may 
all  so  readily  comply  with  the  requirements  upon  which  the 
'  wondrous  grace '  is  tendered  to  us,  that  it  is  passing  strauge 
that  so  few,  comparatively,  obtain  it.  It  must  be  because 
the  subject  is  so  little  understood.  Oh  thac  the  Lord  may 
enable  me  to  give  my  testimony  distinctly  and  intelligently  ! 
I  pray  that  the  Lord  may  make  me  bold  and  successful ! 
Oh  for  help  and  guidance  from  Him !  " 

As  he  comes  to  the  close  of  1864,  the  year  of  jubilee  to 
his  soul,  he  says  :  "  In  some  respects  this  has  been  the  hap- 
piest year  of  my  life.  The  fact  that  during  this  year,  I  be- 
came wholly  the  Lord's,  must  ever  render  it  a  most  import- 
ant era.  I  have  seen  scores  —  yea,  hundreds  —  converted. 
The  church  has  gained  strength  amazingly.  Souls  have 
l>een  sanctified,  and  in  all  respects  it  has  been  a  prosperous 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE. 


1G7 


year.  God  has  graciously  preserved  my  life,  bountifully 
supplied  all  my  wants,  kindly  supported  me  in  every  trial, 
and  dealt  so  mercifully  with  me,  that  I  feel  it  alike  a 
duty  and  a  pleasure  to  be  humbly  grateful.  If  the  Lord 
permits  me  to  live  through  another  year,  I  am  resolved  to 
be  more  faithful  and  more  diligent.  I  pray  that  I  may  be 
able,  through  the  aid  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  to  go  forward, 
increasing  in  wisdom,  influence,  and  success.  I  earnestly 
desire  to  be  useful.  Of  late,  this  idea  of  being  useful,  has 
brought  me  the  most  exquisite  joy.  It  includes  God's  glory 
aud  man's  happiness.  Oh  that  I  may  be  useful  in  uplifting 
men  to  God !  " 

In  the  experience  of  Mr.  Inskip,  we  have  a  most  striking 
example  of  the  power  of  Divine  grace.  A  more  impetuous 
nature  has  seldom  been  possessed  by  mortal.  No  man  was 
more  conscious  of  this  fact,  than  himself.  He  says :  "  I 
have  most  earnestly  and  long  desired  to  bring  my  impetu- 
ous disposition  under  control.  Occasionally  I  have  hoped  I 
had  succeeded.  But,  unhappy  experience  soon  discovered 
to  me  my  mistake.  Now  I  see  where  my  error  lay.  I  de- 
pended too  much  on  my  own  strength,  and  had  not  the 
proper  measure  of  Divine  influence.  Now,  '  I  am  fully  the 
Lord's.'  Yes,  I  am  '  wholly  His.'  I  have  consecrated  all  to 
Him.  I  am  not  my  own.  I  belong  to  Christ.  I  wait  for 
His  Spirit  to  lead  me.  I  submit  to  His  control,  and  oh, 
how  pleasant  to  be  thus  controlled  and  led ! " 

Mr.  Inskip,  as  yet,  had  no  conception  of  the  work  for 
which  God  was  evidently  preparing  him,  and  to  which  the 
Lord,  without  doubt,  specially  called  him  —  the  work  of 
spreading  Scriptural  holiness  over  these  lands,  and  all 
lands. 

Speaking  of  his  meeting  on  the  subject  of  holiness,  and 
of  his  own  desire  to  help  others  into  the  light  of  full  salva- 
tion, he  says :  — 


168 


LIFE  OF  JOIIX  S.  IZTSKIP. 


" Thursday,  Jan.  12. —  Our  meeting  in  the  afternoon  for 
the  promotion  of  holiness,  was  larger  than  any  we  have  yet 
held.  The  interest  on  this  subject  is  evidently  increasing. 
Several  new,  and  some  of  them,  humanly  speaking,  impor- 
tant cases,  are  developing.  We  have  many  —  very  many  — 
good  brethren,  who  are  much  interested  on  the  subject,  yet 
they  cannot  appreciate  '  the  shorter  way.'  The  attainment 
of  such  a  state  they  believe  to  be  possible,  but  this  blissful 
result  they  defer  to  a  very  late  and  indefinite  period  in 
life.  They  cannot  understand  the  '  way  of  faith.'  For 
these  I  most  earnestly  and  devoutly  pray.  Oh,  how  I  desire 
to  lead  them  to  Jesus,  that  they  may  enter  into  the  '  ful- 
ness of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  peace  ! '  Some  such 
persons  were  present  at  the  meeting  this  afternoon.  At 
night,  preached  at  Hanson  Place,  by  special  request  of  the 
preacher,  Bro.  Woodruff.  My  remarks  were  directed  to  the 
subject  of  all  subjects  most  important  to  believers,  the 
"way  of  holiness."  The  Lord  wonderfully  blessed  me  in 
giving  my  testimony  to  the  truth  that  the  blood  of  Jesus 
cleanseth  from  all  unrighteousness.  One  of  the  principal 
difficulties  in  this  whole  matter,  is  its  amazing  simplicity. 
Men  are  willing  to  do  anything  and  everything  except  the 
essential  thing  —  '  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and 
thou  shalt  be  saved.'  Such  is  the  Divine  message  to  every 
believer,  as  well  as  to  every  soul  that  is  seeking  pardon. 
As  we  put  on  Christ,  so  must  we  walk  in  Him.  To  learn 
how  to  proceed  in  this  way,  we  have  but  to  remember  how  we 
started.  We  found  the  Saviour  by  faith  at  first,  so  must 
we  look  after  Him  now.  In  answer  to  our  faith  He  received 
us  into  favor,  and  in  like  manner  will  respond  when  our 
faith  has  reference  to  'entire  sanctihcation.'  We  are  slow 
to  learn  this  fundamental  truth.  It  seems  to  me  that 
during  the  remainder  of  my  life  I  shall  employ  all  my 
energies  in  endeavors  to  set  before  the  people  the  glorious 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE.  169 


doctrine  of  '  salvation  by  faith.'  I  ain  persuaded  that  this 
doctrine  will  immensely  increase  the  moral  power  of  Chris- 
tianity. The  resources  of  the  church  of  this  age  are  very 
great,  yet  in  the  absence  of  the  'gift  of  power'  from  on 
high,  these  resources  are  frequently  unavailing.  What 
mighty  results  might  be  achieved  if  believers  generally 
were  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost !  My  spirit  is  stirred 
within  me,  and  sometimes  I  can  hardly  contain  myself.  It 
seems  I  must  go  forth  everywhere  and  proclaim  the  'great 
salvation.'  The  Lord,  I  think,  has  called  me  to  arouse  the 
church  on  the  subject.  I  begin  to  feel  I  am  specially  called 
to  such  a  work,  so  far  as  my  duties  to  my  charge  will 
allow.  I  shall  embrace  every  opportunity  to  go  forth  and 
proclaim  '  full  redemption '  through  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb." 

"Monday,  Jan.  16. —  Had  an  opportunity  to-day  to  test  the 
strength  of  my  principles,  in  regard  to  the  nature  and  en- 
joyment, of  perfect  love.  I  learned  from  Bro.  Woodruff, 
pastor  of  Hanson  Place  Church,  that  some  very  rough  criti- 
cisms were  made  by  a  member  of  his  congregation,  on  me 
personally,  and  on  my  sermon.  They  were  of  so  offensive 
a  character,  that  ordinarily  my  feelings  would  have  been 
aroused,  and  I  should  have  said  some  bitter  things.  But  I 
remembered  that  they  said  of  my  blessed  Master,  '  He  hath 
a  devil.'  Of  course  I  must  not  complain  when  I  am  called 
on  to  bear  my  cross.  How  cheerfully  have  I  gone  through 
the  day  doing  this.  Every  time  the  master  has  come  into 
my  mind,  I  have  prayed  earnestly  that  God's  blessing  may 
be  poured  upon  him.  I  most  earnestly  and  devoutly  com- 
mended him  to  the  Divine  mercy.  I  intend  to  pray  for  him 
whenever  his  case  shall  come  into  my  mind.  In  this  whole 
affair,  so  far  as  I  am  concerned,  I  have  gained  a  complete 
victory.  My  soul  has  gone  forth  in  joyous  and  humble 
thanksgivings  to  my  Heavenly  Father  for  the  power  of  His 


170 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


grace.  Every  now  and  then  something  transpires  to  show 
me  what  a  glorions  and  complete  revolution  this  '  great 
salvation '  has  wrought  within  me.  '  Glory  to  God  in  the 
highest ! '  All  my  tempers,  thoughts,  words,  and  actions, 
are  sweetly  controlled  by  Divine  love.  I  now  can  indeed, 
'  love  my  enemies,  aud  do  good  to  those  who  speak  evil  of 
me.'  The  luxury  of  making  sacrifices  for  Christ  is  truly 
great." 

Touching  his  failure  to  confess  blessings  formerly  re- 
ceived, he  writes  thus  :  — 
"Friday,  20. —  I  can  now  recall  many  instances  in  which, 
I  fully  believe,  if  1  had  come  out  and  confessed  Christ,  I 
would  have  had  the  testimony  of  the  Spirit  to  the  fact  that 
I  was  all  the  Lord's.  But  by  prejudice  I  was  robbed  of  the 
advantages  of  the  special  seasons  of  Divine  favor,  and  soon 
relapsed  into  my  ordinary  state  of  experience.  My  present 
experiences  are  so  different  from  my  former  beclouded  way, 
that  I  often  regret  my  failure  at  a  much  earlier  period  to 
have  my  eyes  opened.    But  thank  God,  '  I  now  see  !  "' 

He  contrasts  the  present  with  the  past  thus  :  — 
"Saturday,  21. —  Religion  has  become  with  me  a  more  real 
and  substantial  verity  than  formerly.  I  used  to  be  so  much 
in  doubt.  Some  things  were  enveloped  in  a  sort  of  cloud, 
which  at  times  very  much  obscured  them.  Now  all  is  clear 
and  plain.  My  mind  is  disenthralled.  I  think  I  can  truly 
say  now,  I  am  a  believer.  I  rejoice  in  believing.  I  feel  the 
joy  of  faith.  I  cannot  get  any  farther  along  as  to  the  doc- 
trine, than  that  I  am  saved  by  grace  through  faith." 

On  Sunday,  Jan.  29,  18G5,  a  great  sorrow  fell  upon  Mr. 
Inskip.  His  mother,  who  had  been  fee'.de  for  some  time, 
but  whose  immediate  departure  he  did  not  anticipate,  was 
suddenly  called  to  her  reward.  He  had  just  closed  his  Sab- 
bath evening  meeting,  and  was  engaged  in  singing  some 
joyous  hymns,  when,  as  he  relates,  H  a  messenger  came  and 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE. 


171 


said  to  me,  'They  want  you  at  home  —  your  mother  is 
dead.'  I  was  never  before  so  startled.  Yet  the  Lord  sus- 
tained me.  I  hastened  immediately  to  the  house,  and  found 
that  mother  was  indeed  gone.  She  died  without  a  struggle 
—  peacefully  falling  asleep  in  Jesus." 

Martha  Swanel  Inskip  was  born  in  Bedfordshire  parish, 
England,  June  5,  1792.  She  was  married  to  Edward  S. 
Inskip  in  her  eighteenth  year.  She  seems  to  have  been  a 
woman  of  great  force  of  character,  and,  in  many  respects, 
the  perfect  antipodes  of  her  husband.  He  was  rash  and  im- 
pulsive ;  she,  calm  and  collected.  He  rushed  inconsiderately 
into  ruinous  speculations ;  she,  with  superior  intuitive  per- 
ceptions, calmly  warned  him  of  peril,  only  to  see  her  pre- 
dictions fulfilled  by  the  results.  He  used  to  say,  "  My  wife 
always  knew  better  than  I  did.  If  I  had  only  followed  her 
advice  at  all  times,  I  should  have  been  saved  from  all  my 
losses  in  business,  and  from  many  a  trouble  into  which  I 
fell.    She  was  always  right." 

Though  Mrs.  Inskip  continued  unacquainted  with  experi- 
mental religion  until  late  in  life,  and  until  after  her  hus- 
band's conversion,  she  seems  to  have  possessed  all  along  a 
most  profound  veneration  for  the  Word  of  God,  and  the 
observance  of  religious  worship.  She  could  ill  endure  her 
husband's  infidel  life  and  unholy  associations  ;  and  her  firm 
but  gentle  deportment  was  a  standing  rebuke  to  their 
godless  insincerity.  Yet  she  was  not  lacking  in  decision 
when  the  occasion  demanded  it.  On  one  occasion,  her 
husband  informed  her  that  Robert  Dale  Owen  and  Fanny 
"Wright  were  invited  to  lecture  before  the  "  Literary " 
(meaning,  "  infidel ")  club,  of  which  he  (Mr.  Inskip)  was 
president ;  that  they  were  to  be  his  guests,  and  that  he 
wished  her  to  prepare  a  good  entertainment  for  them,  and 
to  lodge  them  for  the  night.  Very  mildly,  but  very  firmly, 
she  replied  :  "My  dear,  if  you  bring  such  people  into  your 


172 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IjSTSKIP. 


house,  you  must  entertain  them  yourself,  I  shall  not  have 
anything  to  do  with  them,  nor  see  them."  In  relating  the 
circumstance,  he  said:  "I  looked  at  her  and  saw  that  she 
meant  it,  and  so  I  had  to  succumb."  The  visitors  were  en- 
tertained at  the  tavern. 

She  never  allowed  an  infidel  book  to  be  placed  in  the 
hands  of  her  children,  but  ever  kept  before  them  the  im- 
portance of  reading  and  obeying  the  Holy  Bible.  Notwith- 
standing her  strong  desire  to  see  her  children  trained  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  she  seems  to  have  felt 
great  grief  when  they  became  Christians.  It  was  not,  how- 
ever, so  much  her  opposition  to  their  becoming  Christians, 
as  to  their  becoming  Methodists.  The  Methodists,  in  those 
times,  were  a  people  everywhere  spoken  against,  and  she, 
with  many  others,  from  sheer  ignorance  of  their  character 
and  principles,  had  formed  strong  prejudices  against  them. 

From  the  time  that  Mrs.  Inskip  became  a  Christian,  to 
the  day  when  God  took  her,  she  never  faltered  in  her  faith,  or 
devotion  to  Jesus.  She  was  never  emotional,  but  her  religious 
convictions  were  deep  and  abiding.  She  became  a  Methodist 
from  conviction  and  choice,  loving  most  ardently  all  the  in- 
stitutions of  the  church.  Her  last  sickness  was  brief,  and  not 
particularly  distressing.  She  had  a  slight  attack  of  erysipe- 
las, which  continued  for  a  day  or  two.  On  Sunday,  twenty- 
ninth,  she  was  so  comfortable  that  her  daughter,  with  whom 
she.  resided,  left  her  in  charge  of  her  grand-daughter,  while 
she  attended  evening  worship  at  the  church.  The  grand- 
daughter, during  the  evening,  as  she  was  accustomed  to  do, 
read  to  her  from  the  Scriptures.  After  a  while  she  said, 
"  Belle,  my  dear,  you  need  not  read  in  the  usual  place  to- 
night. Read  the  fourteenth  chapter  of  John.  I  like  that 
so  much."  She  turned  to  the  chapter  and  read,  "  Let  not 
your  heart  be  troubled,"  etc.  After  listening  to  the  reading, 
she  quietly  laid  herself  down,  and  almost  without  the 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE.  173 


antice  of  those  in  attendance,  she  calmly  folded  her  hands 
over  her  breast,  and  without  a  contortion  of  a  feature,  or 
the  whisper  of  a  sigh,  passed  to  her  everlasting  rest.  She 
was  seventy-three  years  of  age. 

Mr.  Inskip  often  made  reference  to  his  mother  in  terms 
of  greatest  admiration.  From  all  we  are  able  to  learn  of 
her  character,  she  was  worthy  of  his  highest  praise.  He 
was  remarkably  sustained  by  the  grace  of  God,  and  seems 
to  have  been  filled  with  the  spirit  of  praise. 

Monday,  Feb.  21.  —  "I  was  so  filled  with  the  Spirit  that 
as  I  walked  through  the  streets  I  frequently  was  constrained 
to  call  out,  '  Glory  to  God ! '  For  some  time  past  I  have 
had  some  conflicts  with  the  enemy,  and  occasionally  they 
have  been  so  sharp  as,  in  a  measure,  to  modify  my  joyous 
emotions.  I  cannot  say  that  I  regret  this  ;  for  although  no 
such  intention  was  contemplated  by  the  adversary,  yet  I 
have  been  really  benefitted  by  my  trials.  My  propensity 
to  exultation,  is  so  strong,  that  I  need  often  to  be  sobered 
by  some  test  or  trial.  I  am  amazingly  blessed  in  being  able 
to  discern  the  intent  of  all  my  trials.  I  cannot  call  them 
'  blessings  in  disguise.'  The  blessing  they  bring  is  so  obvious 
and  immediate  that  there  is  no  '  disguise '  about  it.  I 
had  a  blessed  time  at  Dr.  Palmer's  meeting.  My  soul  is 
full  of  glory.  We  had  truly  a  time  of  power  and  victory. 
At  night  our  '  experience  meeting  '  was  well  attended.  The 
Lord  continued  to  bless,  and  my  soul  was  overwhelmed  with 
rapture.  Oh,  how  the  streams  of  joy  have  come  upon  my 
soul  this  day  !  I  cannot  tell  when  such  glorious  manifesta- 
tions have  been  made  to  me.  I  can  say  of  a  truth,  my  soul 
is  'full  of  glory.'  " 

April  29.  —  Of  the  effect  on  the  popular  mind  produced 
by  the  assassination  of  Lincoln,  he  writes:  "The  great 
excitement  of  the  past  two  weeks  has  not  been  favorable  to 
religious  enjoyment.    So  far,  however,  I  have  been  wonder- 


174 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  INSKIP. 


fully  sustained.  In  ordinary  circumstances  I  should  have 
been  entirely  carried  away  with  the  torrent  of  feeling.  I 
must  admit  that  unusual  vigilance  has  been  required  to  pre 
serve  my  mind  in  a  peaceful  frame.  That  in  every  instance 
I  have  been  entirely  successful,  I  cannot  claim.  Perhap? 
occasionally  I  have  been  surprised  into  a  momentary  impro 
priety  of  feeling  and  expression;  but  not  so  much  as  fo? 
any  length  of  time  to  weaken  my  hold  upon,  or  suspend  mj 
communion  with  my  blessed  Master." 

On  the  eighth  of  May,  Mr.  Inskip  was  elected  president 
of  the  New  York  Preachers'  Meeting,  which  position  he 
held  with  great  credit  to  himself,  and  profit  to  the  brethren. 
It  is  doubtful  if  the  meeting  was  ever  more  religious  thaD 
during  the  period  of  his  presidency. 

He  is  afflicted  with  drowsiness,  which  he  fears  is  ominous 
of  something  serious.  He  has  an  impression  that  his  life 
will  have  a  sudden  termination.  But  he  rejoices  that  to 
him,  "  sudden  death  will  be  sudden  glory." 

Monday,  15.  —  There  was  an  earnest  and  somewhat  pro 
longed  discussion  in  the  preachers'  meeting  on  the  subject 
of  "  Amusements."  Of  this  matter  he  says :  "  Many  of 
our  people  are  becoming,  in  this  respect,  strangely  worldly. 
It  is  lamentable  to  what  an  extent  the  follies  of  life  find 
countenance  among  professors  of  religion.  It  is  easy  to 
discern  the  cause  of  the  weakened  moral  energies  of  the 
church.  We  are  too  vain  and  worldly.  This  matter  did 
not  impress  me  till  recently.  Indeed,  I  formerly  rather 
sympathized  with  the  careless  spirit  of  many.  But  praise 
the  Lord,  my  soul  has  been  lifted  into  a  higher  life.  I  see 
things  from  an  entirely  different  standpoint.  What  once 
would  have  only  excited  a  smile,  now  awakens  solemn 
anxiety.  I  am  prompted  to  cry  out,  Oh,  that  the  people 
of  God  would  become  holy  !  More  than  ever  we  at  this 
time  need  holiness  in  the  church." 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  TEE  PASTORATE.  175 


Speaking  of  the  holiness  meeting  at  his  church,  he  says : 
"It  did  seem  as  if  the  'gitt  of  power'  had  come  upon  all 
present.  Dr.  Palmer  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  and  Mrs.  Hamline, 
were  present  with  us.  It  was  truly  a  great  privilege  to  hear 
their  testimonies.  I  am  not  at  all  inclined  to  '  man-worship ; ' 
but  certainly  these  precious  friends  have  merited  the  affec- 
tionate confidence  and  esteem  of  all  the  churches.  They 
have  labored  long  and  faithfully  to  keep  alive  the  flame  of 
holiness.  When  we  were  well-nigh  asleep, they  were  at  the 
post  of  duty,  earnestly  defending  the  '  faith  once  delivered 
to  the  saints.'  They  are  even  now  having  their  reward  in 
what  they  behold  around  them.  But  their  full  recompense 
will  not  come  until  this  '  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immor- 
tality.' Then  —  but  not  till  then  —  will  be  seen  and  appre- 
ciated their  extended  labors  and  success." 

This  is  a  deserved  tribute  to  worthy  laborers  in  the  vine- 
yard of  God. 

He  speaks  of  a  wonderful  baptism  which  came  upon  him 
and  his  wife.  "  I  felt  it  wherever  I  went,  and  whoever  I 
met  my  soul  appeared  drawn  toward  them  by  cords  of  love 
and  tenderness.  I  shall  henceforth  speak  of  this  as  the  bap- 
tism of  love  and  tears.  My  dear  wife  shared  my  joy.  God 
is  gracious  to  fulfil  His  promise,  1  Call  upon  me  in  the  day 
of  trouble ;  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  Me.' " 

In  November  of  this  year,  Bishop  Scott  tendered  to  him 
the  superintendency  of  one  of  the  missionary  departments 
in  the  South ;  but  after  seriously  considering  the  matter, 
he  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he  ought  to  decline,  and 
wrote  to  the  Bishop  to  that  effect. 

On  the  twentieth  of  December,  he  received  a  private  note 
from  Orlando  McClain,  of  Green  St.,  New  York,  informing 
him  that  the  official  members  of  that  society  had  passed  a 
unanimous  resolve,  asking  for  his  appointment  to  that 
church  for  the  coming  year.    This  would  necessitate  his 


176  LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 

removal,  by  transfer,  from  his  conference.  His  term  of 
pastoral  service  at  South  Third  Street  was  near  its  close. 
It  had  been  a  time  of  great  blessing  to  pastor  and  people, 
and  yet  he  complains  that  the  people  had  not  received  the 
truth  as  fully  as  they  should. 

Upon  the  opening  of  the  new  year,  as  he  returns  from  the 
watch-meeting,  he  makes  the  following  record  :  — 

CONSECRATION. 

"Monday  Jan.  1,  1366. — Upon  returning  from  meeting,  I  feel  that 
before  retiring  to  rest  I  must  record  my  consecration.  I  am  devoutly 
thankful  to  God  for  His  many  mercies  during  the  year  that  has 
passed  away.  I  praise  ITim  that  He  has  enabled  me  to  continue  in 
the  way  of  faith.  If  spared,  I  intend  to  live  nearer  to  Jesus.  Afresh 
I  dedicate  myself  to  the  service  of  God.  I  give  to  Him  my  little  all, 
and  solemnly  declare  that  I  am  and  will  be  forever  the  Lord's.  All 
my  faculties  and  powers  —  my  life,  influence,  substance,  and  reputa- 
tion, I  renewedly  devote  to  God,  and  declare  that  henceforth  I  will 
love  and  glorify  Him  forever.  I  will  labor  to  promote  His  glory,  and 
trust  in  nim  for  grace  to  guide,  comfort,  and  support  me.  I  again, 
and,  if  possible,  in  a  fuller  sense  than  ever,  consecrate  to  Him  all  I 
have  and  am.  My  wife,  home,  and  all,  I  give  to  Thee,  O  Lord,  to  be 
Thine.  In  testimony  of  which  I  hereunto  affix  my  hand  and  seal,  on 
this  the  first  day  of  January,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  sixty-six. 

[l.  s.]  "  John  S.  Insktp." 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  Mr.  Inskip  assisted  Rev. 
L.  R.  Dunn,  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  in  some  special  religious  ser- 
vices in  his  church  in  that  city.  "  The  Lord  wonderfully 
blessed  our  humble  endeavors,"  he  says.  "  About  fifty  were 
converted,  and  many  of  the  church,  including  the  pastor  and 
some  of  the  leading  members,  were  filled  with  the  great 
baptism.''  Dr.  Dunn,  from  that  time,  became  a  special 
advocate  of  full  salvation. 

Mr.  Inskip's  services  were  in  great  demand.  The  people 
were  anxious  to  see  how  a  man  of  his  known  radical  and  im- 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE. 


177 


pulsive  character,  would  appear  in  the  garb  of  holiness  ;  how 
a  "  meek  and  quiet  spirit "  would  suit  his  fiery  nature.  He 
was  not  without  his  trials  on  these  lines.  To  these  he  often 
refers  with  a  subdued  spirit.  "  For  some  time,"  he  says, 
"I  have  felt  that  exultant  joy  may  not,  as  a  prevailing  form 
of  experience,  be  best  for  me.  I  need  to  learn  patience  and 
resignation.  My  impetuous  nature  needs  to  be  restrained. 
For  the  past  eighteen  months  I  have  been  in  circumstances 
of  peculiar  trial.  Sometimes  I  have  been  scarcely  able  to 
discern  the  design  of  this.  But  now  the  matter  begins  to 
develop  more  clearly.  Every  day,  indeed,  I  can  see  more 
and  more  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God  in  permitting 
some  things  to  transpire.  I  discover,  also,  that  my  will  is 
more  completely  lost  in  the  Divine  will.  I  seem  to  be  a 
child,  with  everything  to  learn.  When  I  consider  my  oppor- 
tunities and  privileges,  I  am  surprised  that  I  know  so  little 
and  have  had  such  limited  success.  What  I  am  and  what  I 
have  done,  never  appeared  so  insignificant  and  unimportant. 
I  experience  no  special  comfort,  only  in  looking  to  Jesus." 

With  these  feelings  he  closed  his  labors  at  South  Third 
Street,  and  with  the  New  York  East  Conference,  for  the 
present. 

Tuesday,  April  19,  1866,  his  conference  closed.  "I  felt 
sad  at  the  thought  that  my  connection  with  the  body  must 
soon  terminate.  Nevertheless,  being  fully  assured  of  its 
providential  ordering,  I  was  pleased  to  have  appended  to 
my  name  in  the  list  of  appointments,  the  sentence,  '  trans- 
ferred to  New  York  Conference.'  This  had  been  long 
understood  and  settled  by  the  authorities  of  the  church.  On 
Friday,  the  thirteenth,  I  reported  myself  at  Tarrytown  to 
the  conference.  The  brethren  received  me  with  great 
cordiality.  As  soon  as  my  certificate  of  transfer  was  read, 
the  kindly  feelings  of  the  body  became  apparent.  The 
bishop  (Ames)  informed  the  conference  that  my  transfer 


178 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


had  been  made  at  his  request,  and  he  had  requested  it 
because  he  deemed  the  interests  of  the  work  demanded  it. 
This  announcement  was  received  with  the  most  decided 
marks  of  approbation,  and  after  passing  a  unanimous  reso- 
lution welcoming  me  as  a  '  fellow  laborer,'  the  members 
came  around  me  and  greeted  me  with  the  greatest  warmth 
and  kindness.  I  have  never  had  a  more  pleasant  expression 
of  '  good  will '  than  this.  Under  the  circumstances,  it  was 
specially  gratifying  to  my  mind." 

Tuesday  morning  the  conference  closed,  and  Mr.  Inskip, 
according  to  previous  arrangements,  was  appointed  to 
Green  Street.  The  Green  Street  Church  was  located  in 
what  would  be  regarded  a  highly  unfavorable  neighborhood. 
It  was  emphatically  a  "down-town"  church.  The  house 
was  very  large,  and  the  society  small,  and  constantly 
diminishing,  and  everything  indicated  that  Mr.  Inskip  had 
a  most  unpromising  field  of  labor.  But  he  went  trusting 
alone  in  God.  "  If  God  will  help  and  bless  us,  we  shall 
succeed.  Praise  His  name  !  it  is  not  a  matter  of  conjecture. 
He  has  given  us  many  '  exceeding  great  and  precious  prom- 
ises.' " 

The  first  Sabbath  was  a  day  of  mercy.  At  night,  after 
preaching  from  "  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time,"  etc., 
the  people  responded  to  an  invitation  to  come  to  the  altar, 
"  and  they  all  seemed  to  be  in  the  Spirit." 

On  the  following  Monday  he  was  re-elected  to  the  presi- 
dency of  the  preachers'  meeting,  of  which  he  says :  "  I  have 
deemed  it  one  of  the  greatest  honors  I  have  ever  had  from 
my  ministerial  brethren,  inasmuch  as  the  meeting  has 
become  so  large  and  influential.  That  this  should  have 
been  continued,  was  certainly  more  than  I  had  a  right  to 
expect." 

Mr.  Inskip's  pastorate  at  Green  St.  was  marked  by  un- 
usual manifestations  of  Divine  power.    He  was  not,  how- 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE.  179 


ever,  without  his  trials.  His  health  seemed  more  seriously 
impaired  than  he  supposed,  which  brought  him  into  new 
experiences,  requiring  new  measures  of  grace.  The  brethren 
of  the  church  received  them  cordially,  and  were  ready,  he 
says,  "  to  take  all  our  burdens  from  us."  Moving,  which 
had  greatly  annoyed  him  in  the  past,  seems  not  to  have 
perplexed  him  now.  Everything  had  gone  on  in  great 
harmony. 

Saturday,  May  19.  —  "A  most  singular  providence  oc- 
curred last  night  in  regard  to  my  sickness.  We  had  been 
talking  of  calling  in  a  physician,  and  regretted  that  we  knew 
not  whom  to  call,  being  among  entire  strangers.  When 
evening  came  yesterday,  and  I  had  written  up  my  journal,  I 
was  about  to  retire  much  oppressed,  when  in  came  Dr. 
Palmer  and  his  wife.  A  visit  from  angels  would  scarce 
have  surprised  me  more.  We  supposed  they  were  hundreds 
of  miles  away.  They  brought  joy  and  gladness  with  them. 
At  once  the  doctor  gave  me  medicine,  and  in  a  few  moments 
I  felt  decidedly  better.  I  passed  a  comparatively  comfort- 
able night.  Hence,  when  the  doctor  called  this  morning,  he 
found  me  so  much  better,  that  he  did  not  deem  it  necessary 
to  prohibit  me  from  filling  my  pulpit  to-morrow.  I  have 
no  doubt  I  will  need  to  be  very  careful  in  doing  the  work  " 
before  me  for  the  day.  It  is  a  difficult  lesson  to  learn  —  to 
be  laid  aside.  I  find  no  difficulty  in  being  employed  for 
Christ.  I  must,  however,  at  some  time  in  my  life,  I  pre- 
sume, be  laid  aside.  These  seasons,  therefore,  have  their 
uses." 

"  The  great  lesson  for  me  to  learn,"  he  says,  "  is  patience. 
I  am,  however,  by  no  means  a  rapid  learner." 

He  expresses  his  feelings  about  controversy :  — 
Monday,  June  11.  —  "  Our  preachers'  meeting  was  numer- 
ously attended.    The  discussion  was  rather  sharp  and  bitter, 
I  could  not  affiliate  with  its  spirit  and  tone.    My  taste  in 


180 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IKSKIP. 


this  respect  has  been  completely  changed.  Formerly  the 
state  of  things  present  this  morning  would  have  been  en- 
joyed by  me.  Now  my  spirit  is  drawn  in  another  direction 
entirely.  I  do  not  like  to  associate  with  any  one,  or  mingle 
in  any  movement,  by  which  the  quiet  of  my  soul  is  likely 
to  be  disturbed.  These  heated  controversies  I  cannot 
relish.  I  would  much  prefer  to  hear  the  brethren  tell  how 
they  get  along  in  the  Divine  life.  I  am  more  and  more  in- 
terested in  the  subject  of  experimental  religion.  My  soul 
is  sick  of  the  strifes  in  which  I  once  took  so  much  pleasure, 
and  such  an  active  part.  It  is  my  purpose  to  devote  the 
remainder  of  my  short  life  to  the  all-important  work  of 
spreading  scriptural  holiness  among  men. 

He  speaks  thus  of  definite  testimony :  — 

Friday,  July  20.  —  "I  find  it  exceedingly  profitable  to 
make  the  subject  of  holiness  a  topic  of  conversation,  as  a 
definite  and  distinct  work.  The  method  of  generalization 
is  a  snare.  If  I  would  keep  up  the  tone  of  my  experience, 
I  must  be  definite  and  clear  in  my  testimony.  Sometimes  it 
has  been  suggested  to  my  mind  that  to  avoid  collision  with 
the  prejudices  of  men,  it  would  be  better  to  use  an  accommo- 
dated method  of  expression.  This  course,  however,  does 
not  conciliate  those  opposed  to  this  doctrine,  and  involves 
in  difficulty  and  embarrassment  those  who  take  it.  The 
best  way,  because  it  honors  God  the  most,  is  to  come  out 
fully  and  proclaim  the  wondrous  grace  bestowed  upon  us. 
The  adversary  would  persuade  us  to  do  otherwise.  May  all 
have  courage  to  stand  up  for  Jesus." 

Mr.  Inskip  devoted  much  time  to  a  careful  study  of  the 
doctrine  of  full  salvation.  He  read  all  the  books  on  the 
subject  which  came  in  his  way.  His  views  were  purely 
Wesleyan,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  following  extract :  — 

Thursday,  Feb.  7,  1867.  —  "  Have  been  engaged  for  some 
time  past  in  looking  over  the  ground  of  the  doctrine  of  sal- 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE.  181 


vation  from  all  sin.  It  seems  to  me  there  are  three  points 
of  the  utmost  importance  which  should  often  be  presented 
to  the  people.  First,  it  is  needful  to  show  that  the  work  is 
in  addition  to  regeneration ;  secondly,  that  it  must  be  ob- 
tained by  faith ;  and  thirdly,  when  obtained,  it  should  be 
acknowledged.  To  an  extent  much  greater  than  many  im- 
agine, the  opinion  gains  among  our  people  that  '  sanctifica- 
tion '  and  'regeneration'  are  synonymous  terms,  and  when 
men  are  converted  they  are  completely  sanctified.  Others 
think  sanctification  is  the  result  of  growth  and  development, 
and  that  therefore  time  is  required  to  obtain  it.  It  is,  how- 
ever, the  work  of  God,  and  may  therefore  be  looked  for  at 
any  moment,  and  will  be  wrought  the  instant  our  faith  ac- 
credits the  Divine  promise.  Then,  still  others  allege  that  if 
we  obtain  the  blessing  it  is  not  necessary  to  make  definite 
avowal  of  it ;  leaving  it  to  our  life  and  conduct  to  proclaim 
our  religious  condition  to  the  world.  Of  course  our  actions 
must  always  be  in  accordance  with  our  profession.  Yet  it 
becomes  the  duty  of  us  all  to  acknowledge  the  work  of 
grace  in  our  hearts.  This  we  should  do  as  a  debt  of  grati- 
tude. Those  who  fail  to  do  it,  uniformly,  like  Mr.  Fletcher, 
lose  the  blessing.  These  points  should  therefore  be  frequent- 
ly and  earnestly  pressed." 

He  considers  the  question  of  reputation.  Hear  him :  "  It 
was  suggested  that  while  the  people  had  greater  confidence 
in  my  piety,  I  had  lost  as  a  preacher.  I  don't  think  this  is 
true.  But  if  it  were  true,  I  must  remember  that  for  my 
welfare  the  blessed  Saviour  made  himself  of  '  no  reputa- 
tion.' It  may  therefore  be  my  lot  to  make  such  a  sacrifice. 
No  matter  how  great  the  cost,  I  am  resolved  to  be  wholly 
the  Lord's.  It  is,  of  course,  pleasant  to  have  the  smiles  and 
approval  of  men,  and  especially  of  good  men.  It  may, 
however,  not  be  the  best  for  me  to  be  thus  favored.  I 
cheerfully  leave  all  to  God.  Still,  I  have  an  intense  desire 
to  be  useful." 


182 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


It  is  known  to  all,  that  Mr.  Inskip's  usefulness,  as  the 
result  of  his  experience  of  perfect  love,  was  greatly  aug- 
mented. In  the  spring  of  1867,  Mr.  Inskip  was  reappointed 
to  Green  St.,  and  was  re-elected  president  of  the  New  York 
Preachers'  Meeting.  He  records  a  touching  incident  of  the 
death  of  a  preacher  at  the  conference,  Rev.  Mr.  Brakie. 
He  was  taken  sick  while  at  the  conference,  "and  just  as 
the  bishop  was  about  to  read  the  appointments,  it  was  re- 
ported that  he  was  dying.  Soon  after,  the  intelligence  came 
that  he  had  gone  to  his  reward.  A  short  time  before  he 
departed,  he  said  to  a  ministerial  friend,  'I  shall  have  this 
year  a  city  appointment,  in  the  New  Jerusalem.'  Just  be- 
fore he  ceased  to  breathe,  he  looked  smilingly  on  his  wife 
and  said,  '  Come  to  Heaven.'  These  were  his  last  words. 
The  sensation  produced  in  the  conference,  and  among  the 
congregation,  cannot  be  described.  I  certainly  never  can 
forget  it.    I  trust  it  will  be  sanctified  to  our  good." 

It  was  during  the  month  of  April  of  this  year,  that  the 
subject  of  holiness  camp-meeting,  was  first  brought  to  his 
mind  by  Rev.  W.  B.  Osborn,  an  account  of  which  will  be 
given  more  fully  in  the  next  chapter. 

July  10,  1867,  he  enters  upon  his  fifty-second  year  of  life, 
and  on  that  day  makes  the  following  record :  "  This  day  I 
enter  upon  my  fifty-second  year.  It  seems  to  me  incredible 
that  I  have  come  to  this  period  of  life.  I  want  more  than 
ever  to  live,  that  I  may  work  for  God.  Life  is  now  chiefly 
interesting  because  it  affords  an  opportunity  to  do  some- 
thing in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  I  am  sometimes  in- 
clined to  deplore  its  brevity.  Oh,  how  soon  I  must  cease 
to  work  and  cease  to  live  !  I  feel  like  binding  myself  anew 
to  the  altar,  and  consecrating  afresh  all  my  ransomed  ener- 
gies to  the  service  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  men.  The 
last  year  has  been  one  of  exceeding  great  delight  and  suc- 
cess.   Praise  the  Lord,  0  my  soul  I    I  begin  this  new  year 


\ 


FULL  SALVATION  IN  THE  PASTORATE. 


183 


with  a  determination  to  be  more  than  ever  devoted  to  my 
calling." 

His  second  year  in  Green  Street  was  in  all  respects  equal 
to  the  first.  Revivals  were  a  marked  feature  of  the  work. 
It  was  during  this  year,  that  under  a  sermon  which  he 
preached,  Mrs.  Amanda  Smith,  the  world-renowned  evan- 
gelist, was  brought  into  the  experience  of  perfect  love.  No 
one  is  able  to  estimate  the  far-reaching  influence  of  that  ex- 
perience. It  has  been  felt  in  four  continents  where  she  has 
successfully  proclaimed  the  power  of  Jesus  to  save  to  the 
uttermost.  If  his  ministry  in  Green  Street  had  accom- 
plished nothing  more  than  the  full  salvation  of  this 
"  elect  lady,"  it  would  yet  have  been  a  grand  success. 

The  following  document  will  show  the  high  estimate 
placed  upon  the  labors  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip  in  Green 
Street  Church :  — 

"  Green  Street  M.  E.  Church,  New  York,  ) 
March  28,  1869.  J 

"Rev.  John  S.  Insexp, — Bear  Pastor, —  In  behalf  of  the  congrega- 
tion and  by  order  of  the  quarterly  conference  of  this  church,  the 
undersigned  are  called  upon  to  address  you  on  the  eve  of  your 
departure  for  a  new  field  of  labor. 

"It  is  now  more  than  three  years  since  the  official  members,  by 
unanimous  action,  applied  for  you  as  pastor,  being  fully  persuaded 
that  in  no  other  way  could  they  be  so  well  provided  for  as  by  the  ser- 
vices of  yourself  and  your  esteemed  lady.  And  now  that  your  first 
full  term  of  three  years  has  come  to  a  close,  none  can  doubt  the 
wisdom  of  the  choice  then  made.  You  were  not  invited  to  a  splendid 
church  with  a  rich  congregation,  where  you  might  spend  your  time 
in  ease,  with  fashionable  society,  but,  on  the  contrary,  you  were  in- 
formed that  it  was  a  field  for  labor,  where  the  poor  needed  the 
Gospel,  and  where  work — hard  work  —  was  to  be  done;  and  it  has 
not  required  a  very  close  observer  to  perceive  that  you  fully  under- 
stood the  situation.  And  not  only  have  you  labored,  but  your 
beloved  wife  has  shown  an  energy  and  zeal  in  the  work  such  as  has 
been  displayed  by  no  other  pastor's  wife  in  the  history  of  our  church. 
Since  you  came  to  us,  by  your  united  efforts,  under  the  blessing  of 


184 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Almighty  (jod,  our  church  has  prospered  against  apparently  adverse 
circumstances;  the  membership  has  increased;  the  spiritual  condition 
of  our  peoplo  has  been  raised  to  a  higher  standard ;  hundreds  of  souls 
have  been  converted  to  God,  and  our  church  is  now  in  a  healthy 
spiritual  state,  with  peace  and  harmony  in  every  department,  and  all 
financial  obligations  are  fully  met.  Sister  Inskip,  in  addition  to  her 
other  arduous  labors,  has  taken  a  lively  interest  in  the  Sunday-school. 
By  her  individual  exertions,  she  has  succeeded  in  organizing  and  keep- 
ing in  flourishing  condition  a  Bible-class  numbering  nearly  one 
hundred  members,  a  large  proportion  of  whom  she  has  had  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  happily  converted,  and  many  of  them  are  now  filling 
positions  of  usefulness.  And  now  that  you  are  about  to  leave  us  for 
a  distant  station,  be  assured  that  our  earnest  affections  will  follow 
you,  and  that  our  prayers  will  continually  ascend  to  our  Heavenly 
Father  that  His  blessing  may  rest  upon  you  and  yours,  and  that  He 
will  give  you  increased  success  in  your  great  life-work,  wherever  your 
lot  may  be  cast.  We  do  not  understand  that  we  are  to  see  your 
faces  no  more,  but  as  your  names  will  remain  enrolled  on  our  church 
records,  you  will  ever  have  a  warm  place  in  our  hearts  and  a  welcone 
in  our  homes;  and  when  life  and  its  labors  are  ended,  we  hope  to 
join  you  in  eternal  companionship  in  our  Father's  home  above. 

Oblando  D.  McClain, 
Charles  S.  Shkimpton, 
Noah  Wokball, 

Committee" 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETING  MOVEMENT  INAUGURATED. 

The  year  1867  must  ever  be  regarded  as  an  epoch  in  the 
history  of  the  subject  of  entire  sanctification.  It  was  the 
inauguration  of  the  National  Camp-meeting  movement.  It 
must  be  confessed  that  the  need  of  such  a  revival  was  im- 
perative. 

We  had  just  emerged  from  the  most  gigantic  rebellion 
which  the  world  had  ever  witnessed,  and  the  churches  had 
become  greatly  demoralized.  War  never  fosters  piety,  and 
in  this  case,  the  churches  were  weakened  spiritually  in 
every  part  of  the  land.  Many  a  good  conscience  was  ship- 
wrecked in  seizing  upon  favorable  opportunities  to  amass 
wealth  by  unjustifiable  means.  A  few  of  the  true  and  the 
tried  still  wept  between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  prayed 
for  the  salvation  of  Israel.  Camp-meetings,  which  had  been 
a  great  power  in  the  Methodist  Church,  and  in  which  tens 
of  thousands  had  been  converted  and  sanctified,  had  so  far 
fallen  into  disrepute,  that  the  church  papers  were  earnestly 
discussing  the  propriety  of  wholly  abandoning  them.  The 
bishops  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  in  their  Ad- 
dress to  the  General  Conference  of  1864,  speak  mournfully 
of  the  low  state  of  spirituality.  They  say:  "It  becomes 
us,  dear  brethren,  to  humble  ourselves  in  the  dust,  in  view  of 
our  manifold  sins,  individual  and  national.  We  are  yet,  it 
may  be  feared,  a  haughty  and  rebellious  people,  and  God 

185 


186 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


will  humble  us.  There  can  be  no  good  reason  to  expect  the 
restoration  of  order  and  unity  until  we  properly  deplore  our 
sins,  and  turn  to  God  with  deep  self-abasement  and  fervent 
prayer.  A  gracious  revival  of  religion,  deep,  pervading, 
and  permanent,  is  the  great  demand  of  our  times.  We  beg 
you,  brethren,  turn  your  most  thoughtful  and  prayerful 
attention  to  this  demand.  Let  God,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
behold  us  in  tears  of  contrition  before  His  throne,  pleading 
night  and  day,  through  the  Redeemer,  for  the  outpouring 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  upon  the  Church,  the  nation,  and  the 
world.  This  is  our  only  hope :  let  our  faith  command  it, 
and  it  shall  be." 

For  several  years  prior  to  1867,  it  was  evident  to  all  care- 
ful observers  that  there  was  not  only  this  sad  declension  in 
spirituality  in  the  churches,  but  that  there  was  a  growing 
opposition  to  the  subject  of  entire  sanctification  as  a  dis- 
tinct experience.  This  opposition  came  from  both  pulpit  and 
pew,  and  was  often  met  with  at  the  local  camp-meetings.  The 
opposition  became  at  times  so  violent  that  in  many  places 
the  professors  of  this  experience  found  little  or  no  sympa- 
thy or  encouragement  at  these  annual  meetings.  There 
was  a  growing  feeling  among  the  friends  of  holiness,  that 
this  ought  not  so  to  be.  Eev.  John  A.  Wood,  an  earnest 
advocate  of  "  perfect  love,"  while  on  his  way  to  a  small 
camp-meeting  held  at  Red  Bank,  N.  J.,  August,  1866, 
expressed  his  feeling  on  the  subject  to  Mrs.  Harriet  E. 
Drake,  of  Wilkes  Barre,  Pa.,  insisting  that  a  camp-meeting 
for  the  special  promotion  of  holiness  ought  to  be  held,  where 
they  would  not  be  subject  to  such  annoyances.  Mrs.  Drake, 
being  in  full  sympathy  with  the  idea,  having  recently  en- 
tered into  the  experience  of  perfect  love,  and  opened  her 
house  for  a  meeting  on  the  subject,  remarked  to  Bro.  Wood, 
that  if  he  would  start  such  a  meeting,  she  would,  if  neces 
san ,  pay  half  the  expenses. 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS  INAUGURATED.  187 


During  the  carnp-meeting,  Bro.  Wood  suggested  the  mat- 
ter to  Rev.  W.  B.  Osborn,  informing  him  also  of  Mrs. 
Drake's  proposal,  in  case  such  a  meeting  should  be  held. 
Bro.  Osborn  revolved  the  suggestion  over  in  his  own  mind, 
until  the  project  seemed  not  only  feasible,  but  a  necessity. 
It  was  not  until  the  following  April,  that  he  broached  the 
subject  to  Mr.  Inskip.  In  his  journal  for  April  16,  we  find 
this  record:  "Bro.  W.  B.  Osborn,  of  the  New  Jersey  Con- 
ference, spent  the  night  with  us.  The  evening  was  occupied 
in  talking  over  a  proposition  to  hold  a  camp-meeting  for 
the  special  purpose  of  promoting  the  work  of  entire  sancti- 
fication.  It  strikes  my  mind  with  favor.  It  is  a  new  idea, 
yet  it  forcibly  impresses  me.  The  Lord  direct  in  this 
matter." 

Mr.  Inskip,  subsequently,  gives  a  fuller  account  of  this 
meeting.  He  says  :  u  Bro.  Osborn  was  so  full  of  the  mat- 
ter that  he  could  no  longer  contain  himself.  His  mind  was 
so  aroused  and  excited  that  he  hastened  to  New  York,  and 
coming  to  my  study,  said,  with  great  emphasis,  'I  feel  that 
God  would  have  us  hold  a  holiness  camp-meeting ! '  His 
manner  of  speaking  gave  the  fullest  assurance  that  he  was 
persuaded  of  the  truth  of  his  statement.  To  his  impas- 
sioned utterance  he  received  a  sympathetic  and  cordial 
response.  We  knelt  together,  and  in  all  godly  sincerity, 
implored  Divine  guidance  and  help.  .  We  prayed,  waited, 
wept,  and  believed,  and  the  heavenly  glory  came  upon  us. 
It  was  to  our  minds  no  longer  a  question  of  doubt  as  to 
whether  we  should  hold  a  camp-meeting  for  the  promotion 
of  holiness.  As  we  arose  from  the  mercy-seat,  we  took  each 
other  by  the  hand,  and  pledged  eternal  fidelity  to  God  and 
holiness,  and  separated  with  the  understanding  that  at  the 
contemplated  camp-meeting  there  would,  by  the  permission 
of  Providence,  be  at  least  two  tents." 

These  were  the  first  buddings  of  the  National  Camp- 


188 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


meeting  movement.  Bro.  Woods'  suggestion  needed  Bro. 
Osborn's  sanguine  and  enthusiastic  spirit  to  push  it  forward, 
and  Bro.  Inskip's  still  greater  enthusiasm  and  acknowledged 
generalship  to  make  it  a  grand  success.  The  suggestion 
was  from  above,  and  it  fell  into  hearts  well  fitted  for  such  a 
work.  A  number  of  brethren,  whose  views  were  known  to 
be  purely  Wesleyan,  were  invited  to  meet  and  consider  the 
question.  They  did  so,  and  at  once  issued  a  call  for  a 
larger  meeting,  to  be  held  in  Philadelphia,  June  13.  In 
this  call,  signed  by  thirteen  ministers  ;  viz.,  A.  E.  Ballard, 
P.  E.,  H.  M.  Brown,  R.  V.  Lawrence,  W.  B.  Osborn,  J.  A. 
Wood,  B.  M.  Adams,  Dr.  Geo.  C.  M.  Roberts,  A.  V.  Street, 
G.  Hughes,  J.  S.  Heisler,  J.  S.  Inskip,  A.  Longacre,  and  A. 
Cookman,  they  were  careful  to  invite  only  such  "ministers 
and  laymen,"  as  were  "  favorable  to  holding  a  camp  meeting, 
the  special  object  of  which  should  be  the  promotion  of  the 
work  of  entire  sanctification."  The  holding  of  a  camp- 
meeting  was  no  longer  an  open  question.  That  had  been 
settled.  The  "  call "  was  published  in  the  church  papers, 
and,  as  might  have  been  expected,  attracted  considerable 
attention,  and  called  forth  more  or  less  criticism.  It  was 
looked  upon  by  many,  as  schismatic  in  its  spirit,  and  as 
being  certain  to  result  in  church  division.  The  presiding 
elder,  who  headed  the  list,  was  appealed  to,  in  order  to  in- 
duce him  to  withdraw  his  sanction  ;  but  without  success ; 
while  the  lovers  of  holiness  looked  upon  the  "  call,"  as  a 
voice  from  God  to  the  church  to  "  go  forward." 

Thursday  morning,  June  13,  the  brethren  met  at  1018 
Arch  St.,  Philadelphia,  the  "  city  of  brotherly  love."  One 
who  was  present,  says  :  "  It  was  an  auspicious  morning.  A 
holy  atmosphere  seemed  to  pervade  the  room.  Every  face 
was  bright,  and  every  spirit  joyous.  Never  did  good  men 
grasp  each  others  hands  more  warmly." 

The  venerable  Dr.  Geo.  C.  M.  Roberts,  of  Baltimore,  a 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS  INAUGURATED.  189 

man  of  blessed  memory,  was  called  to  the  chair,  as  presi- 
dent of  the  meeting.  Rev.  John  Thompson  was  elected 
secretary.  Their  first  business  was  prayer.  The  president, 
Dr.  Roberts,  led  in  prayer.  He  is  said  to  have  "  poured  out 
his  soul  in  thankfulness  that  he  was  permitted  to  see  that 
favored  hour.    He  was  like  a  patriarch  talking  with  God." 

Rev.  J.  S.  Inskip  followed.  "His  voice  was .  tremulous 
with  emotion.  His  soul  was  feeling  the  mighty  responsi- 
bilities of  the  occasion.  He  besought  the  Lord  not  to  carry 
his  servants  up  hence,  unless  His  presence  should  go  with 
them."  "For  a  time,"  writes  Mr.  Inskip,  "the  conscious- 
ness of  the  revelations  of  the  Divine  glory  were  almost 
overwhelming.  It  was  a  most  extraordinary  season,  —  one, 
indeed,  that  will  never,  never  be  forgotten." 

The  president,  in  a  few  well-chosen  words,  stated  the  ob- 
ject of  the  meeting,  and  declared  his  entire  confidence  in 
the  movement ;  counselling  all  to  commit  the  whole  matter 
to  the  God  of  holiness. 

The  venerable  Anthony  Atwood  moved,  "  That  we  hold  a 
camp-meeting  for  the  special  work  of  promoting  Christian 
holiness."    The  motion  was  at  once  unanimously  passed. 

The  place  for  holding  the  camp-meeting,  which  some 
thought  would  be  a  difficult  question  to  settle,  by  a  singular 
unanimity,  was  decided  in  favor  of  Vineland,  N.  J.  In 
this,  as  in  all  other  matters,  they  were  unanimous.  It  was 
finally  determined,  on  motion  of  Rev.  John  A.  Wood,  that 
the  meeting  commence  Wednesday,  July  17,  and  close  on 
Friday,  26. 

At  this  meeting  they  gave  a  name  to  the  movement  — 
"The  National  Camp-meeting  for  the  Promotion  of  Chris- 
tian Holiness."  The  necessary  committees  were  appointed, 
and  a  "  call,"  prepared  by  the  Rev.  Alfred  Cookman,  was 
read,  and  ordered  to  be  published.  The  call  sets  forth  in 
simple  and  impressive  terms  the  nature  and  object  of  the 
meeting,  as  follows :  — 


190 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


"  A  general  camp-meeting  of  the  friends  of  holiness,  to  be 
held  at  Vineland,  Cumberland  County,  N.  J.,  will  commence 
Wednesday,  July  17,  and  close  Friday,  26th  instant. 

"  We  affectionately  invite  all,  irrespective  of  denomina- 
tional ties,  interested  in  the  subject  of  the  higher  Christian 
life,  to  come  together  and  spend  a  week  in  God's  great 
temple  of  nature.  While  we  shall  not  cease  to  labor  for 
the  conviction  and  conversion  of  sinners,  the  special  object 
of  this  meeting  will  be  to  offer  united  and  continued  prayer 
for  the  revival  of  the  work  of  holiness  in  the  churches;  to 
secure  increased  wisdom,  that  we  may  be  able  to  give  a 
reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  us  with  meekness  and  fear ; 
to  strengthen  the  hands  of  those  who  feel  themselves  com- 
paratively isolated  in  their  profession  of  holiness  ;  to  help 
any  who  would  enter  into  this  rest  of  faith  and  love ;  to 
realize  together  a  Pentecostal  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost, — 
and  all  with  a  view  to  increased  usefulness  in  the  churches 
of  which  we  are  members. 

"  Come,  brothers  and  sisters  of  the  various  denominations, 
and  let  us,  in  this  forest-meeting,  as  in  other  meetings  for 
the  promotion  of  holiness,  furnish  an  illustration  of  evan- 
gelical union,  and  make  common  supplication  for  the  descent 
of  the  Spirit  upon  ourselves,  the  church,  the  nation,  and  the 
world." 

Mr.  Inskip  writes  :  "  I  never  saw  such  a  company  together 
Defore."  That  was  the  feeling  of  all  present.  Rev.  Alfred 
Cookman,  in  writing  to  a  friend,  said  :  "  You  have  doubtless 
been  advised  of  our  Vineland  Camp-meeting  enterprise.  It 
is  rather  a  bold  movement  for  the  friends  of  holiness,  but  I 
believe  it  is  in  the  order  of  God,  and  will  be  accompanied 
and  followed  by  blessed  results.  Associated  with  the 
originators  of  this  enterprise,  I  can  bear  a  most  emphatic 
testimony  to  the  purity  of  their  motives,  and  the  thought- 
fulness,  care,  and  earnest  supplication  to  God,  that  charac- 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS  INAUGURATED. 


191 


terized  all  their  deliberations.  Indeed,  the  day  we  spent 
together  in  this  city  (Philadelphia)  making  arrangements, 
was  one  of  the  blessed  days  of  my  life."  * 

As  the  time  drew  near  for  the  holding  of  the  camp-meet- 
ing, Mr.  Inskip  became  more  and  more  interested  in  the 
movement.  June  27,  he  writes:  "The  Vineland  Camp- 
meeting  has  been  upon  my  heart  all  day.  I  have  felt  the 
responsibility  of  the  movement.  I  am  more  than  ever  per- 
suaded of  the  necessity  of  such  a  meeting.  I  rejoice  that 
the  people  seem  to  understand  and  appreciate  it  mor.- 
generally  than  any  of  us  anticipated.  It  is  my  desire  and 
hopeful  prayer  that  it  may  be  a  time  that  shall  never,  never 
be  forgotten." 

On  the  sixth  of  July,  he  writes :  "  The  Vineland  Camp- 
meeting  is  on  my  heart  continually  to  pray  for  its  success 
and  prosperity." 

The  morning  of  July  17,  1867,  was  beautiful  and  clear, 
as  the  worshippers  gathered  at  Vineland  to  unite  in  the 
services  of  the  first  holiness  camp-meeting  ever  held  since 
Pentecost.  It  was  a  new  thing  under  the  sun,  but  it  was  of 
God's  appointment.  The  services  opened  at  3  p.  m.  Rev. 
J.  S.  Inskip  announced  the  hymn,  "There  is  a  fountain 
filled  with  blood,"  which  was  sung  with  such  spirit  and 
power  that  it  was  adopted  as  the  battle-hymn  of  the  move- 
ment. Mr.  Inskip  then  led  in  a  prayer,  which  will  never 
be  forgotten  by  those  who  heard  it.  Rev.  Andrew  Longacre 
read  some  selections  from  the  Scriptures,  and  Messrs. 
Inskip,  B.  M.  Adams,  R.  V.  Lawrence,  and  A.  E.  Ballard, 
P.  E.,  made  brief  and  appropriate  addresses. 

Mr.  Inskip  said :  "  I  am  just  as  sure  that  this  movement 
is  of  God,  as  I  should  be  had  it  been  written  as  a  specific 
command  in  God's  Word,  that  the  people  should  assemble 


Cookman's  Life,  p.  315. 


192 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


on  this  day,  in  this  very  place,  and  for  the  particular  pur- 
pose for  which  we  are  come  ;  and  I  confidently  believe  that 
the  object  of  our  assembling  will  be  accomplished.  There 
are  bound  up  in  the  religious  interests  of  this  extraordinary 
camp-meeting,  influences  which,  we  trust,  shall  extend  over 
Christendom." 

Rev.  B.  M.  Adams  said :  "  I  believe  this  camp-meeting  . 
will  prove  an  era  in  the  history  of  Methodism,  and  will  be 
a  tidal  mark  of  that  onward  wave  for  which  the  church  has 
been  praying  and  laboring  for  eighteen  centuries.  The 
depths  of  hell  are  stirred  already  against  us,  and  all 
Heaven  is  interested  for  us ;  and  if  we  do  our  duty,  this 
meeting  will  be  pre-eminently  successful,  and  all  will  go 
away  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost." 

These  addresses  were  followed  by  earnest  prayers  by 
Revs.  B.  M.  A.dams,  S.  Coleman,  Alfred  Cookman,  and 
others,  and  the  first  service  of  the  first  National  Camp- 
meeting  closed. 

Ten  of  the  sermons  preached  at  Vineland,  have  been 
published.  They  are  clear,  scriptural  statements  of  the  doc- 
trine of  entire  sanctification,  and  must  have  produced  deep 
conviction  upon  the  subject.  No  ordinary  sermons  were 
preached  by  such  men  as  J.  W.  Home,  Geo.  C.  Wells,  S. 
Coleman,  R.  V.  Lawrence,  B.  M.  Adams,  J.  A.  Wood,  John 
Parker,  B.  W.  Gorhara,  Alfred  Cookman,  B.  Pomeroy 
and  John  S.  Inskip,  —  especially  under  the  inspiration  of 
such  an  occasion,  and  of  the  Spirit  of  God.  Bishop  Simp- 
son, though  in  feeble  health,  was  present  with  his  family, 
and  followed  Rev.  Geo.  C.  Wells'  sermon  with  a  powerful 
exhortation.  The  testimonies,  so  far  as  we  are  able  to  judge, 
from  the  reports  which  have  come  to  us,  were  rich  and 
inspiring. 

"  The  proportions  of  the  meeting,"  writes  one  who  was 
present,  "  were  great,  and  the  spirit  wonderful.    The  reader 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS  INAUGURATED.  193 


who  was  not  present  can  hardly  realize  how  the  great  deep 
of  human  souls  was  moved  by  the  breath  of  the  Lord.  The 
results  of  the  presence  of  the  All-powerful  Spirit  were,  ex- 
cellent order,  deep  humility,  holy  trust,  heavenly  fervor, 
godly  zeal,  brotherly  love,  childlike  simplicity,  and  a 
Divine  unction  that  sweetened  and  sanctified  all  things." 

One  incident  we  must  not  omit  to  relate.  Bishop  Simp- 
son had  brought  his  family  to  the  camp,  and  with  them  his 
son  Charles,  still  unconverted  —  a  son  for  whom  many 
prayers  had  been  offered.  The  Bishop  had  spent  the  Sab- 
bath at  Cape  Island,  officiating  at  the  re-opening  of  a  Meth- 
odist Church.  As  he  returned  to  the  camp  on  Monday 
morning,  some  one  informed  him  that  he  was  wanted  at  the 
Kensington  tent.  On  reaching  the  tent,  he  saw  his  son,  in 
the  midst  of  a  group  of  friends,  earnestly  seeking  pardon. 
The  bishop  made  his  way  through  the  crowd,  and  with  tear- 
ful eyes  knelt  beside  his  penitent,  broken-hearted  boy,  and 
sought  to  point  him  to  Jesus.  He  prayed  as  only  a  Christian 
father  can  pray  for  his  son.  The  whole  company  were 
moved  with  deepest  sympathy.  Charles  was  converted, 
and  returned  to  his  home  a  happy  Christian.  A  few  months 
passed,  and  that  son  lay  sick  —  sick  unto  death.  A  little 
before  his  departure,  turning  to  his  weeping  mother,  he 
said :  "  Mother,  I  shall  bless  God  to  all  eternity  for  the 
Vineland  Camp-meeting." 

An  effort  was  made  to  keep  account  of  the  numbers  con- 
verted, but  the  work  went  on  so  rapidly,  and  in  so  many 
tents,  as  well  as  at  the  stand,  that  it  was  impossible.  But 
the  number  was  very  large.  At  the  close  of  almost  every 
sermon,  the  people  seemed  so  eager  to  seek  pardon  or  purity, 
that  it  was  impossible  to  accommodate  them  before  the 
stand,  and  often  the  whole  enclosure  was  turned  into  a 
mourners'  bench,  and  filled  with  earnest  seekers  of  salva- 
tion. There  were  many  remarkable  instances  of  conversion 
and  entire  sanctification. 


194 


LIFE  OF  JOHX  S.  INSKIP. 


The  camp-meeting  closed  on  Thursday  evening,  with  a 
sacramental  service,  amidst  the  great  joy  of  the  worshippers. 
They  retired  saying  one  to  another,  "  We  have  never  seen 
it  on  this  fashion." 

By  a  rising  vote,  the  people  expressed  an  earnest  desire 
that  a  meeting  of  a  similar  character  be  held  the  next  year, 
and  a  committee  of  arrangements  was  appointed,  consisting 
of  twenty-one  persons.  So  many  of  the  committee  as  were 
present  were  called  together  at  the  close  of  the  camp-meet- 
ing. Eev.  J.  S.  Inskip  was  appointed  chairman,  and  Rev. 
G.  Hughes,  secretary.  It  was  voted  to  hold  the  next  camp- 
meeting,  commencing  second  Wednesday  in  July,  1868. 

It  was  while  the  members  were  on  their  knees  that  the 
"  National  Camp-meeting  Association  for  the  Promotion  of 
Holiness  "  was  formed,  and  John  S.  Inskip  was  chosen  its 
first  president,  which  position  he  held  until  death  removed 
him.  The  Association  was  born  of  prayer.  When  the 
business  was  concluded,  Alfred  Cookman  offered  a  prayer  of 
almost  unexampled  fervency.  No  one  present  will  forget 
how  mightily  he  prayed  for  God's  blessing  on  the  work  to 
which  he  fully  believed  they  were  Divinely  called.  We  are 
told  that  all  business  at  that  meeting  was  transacted  while 
the  brethren  were  on  their  knees.  Then  joining  hands,  they 
pledged  fidelity  to  God,  to  the  subject  of  holiness,  and  to 
each  other.  Alfred  Cookman,  in  writing  to  Mrs.  Skidmore, 
says:  "Vineland  was,  as  you  know,  quite  on  the  verge  of 
Heaven,  and  had  only  one  disadvantage  —  it  made  every 
other  service  seem  tame  by  comparison." 

There  is  this  peculiarity  about  the  "  National  Camp-meet- 
ing Association  for  the  Promotion  of  Holiness,"  —  it  never 
had  a  constitution  or  a  by-law.  For  all  the  years  of  its 
history  its  members  have  been  bound  together  by  bonds 
stronger  than  constitutions  or  by-laws  —  the  bonds  of  love. 
Its  members  have  ever  been  ministers  of  the  Methodist 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS  INAUGURATED.  195 


Episcopal  Church,  and  yet  it  has  been  as  free  from  a  sec- 
tarian spirit  or  bias,  as  any  organization  of  modern  times. 
While  its  chief  object  has  been  to  awaken  a  deeper  interest 
on  the  subject  of  personal  holiness  in  the  Methodist  Church, 
it  has  not  been  for  that  church  alone  that  it  has  labored. 
All  the  evangelical  churches  of  this  land,  and  others  as- 
well,  have  felt  the  influence  of  National  Camp-meetings. 
They  may  not  all  confess  their  indebtedness,  but  eternity 
will  fully  reveal  the  facts.  "No  society,"  writes  Dr.  H.  B. 
Ridgaway,  "  was  ever  more  in  accord  with  primitive  Chris- 
tian custom  as  to  its  organization,  or  could  be  more  simple 
and  exact  in  its  aims,  or  more  Catholic  in  its  animating 
spirit."  * 

Vineland  has  passed  into  history.  The  "  National  Camp- 
meeting  Association  "  has  become  a  fact.  Some  of  the  most 
popular  and  useful  camp-meetings  on  the  continent  would 
never  have  had  a  being,  but  for  national  camp-meetings. 
And  many  of  the  most  successful  workers  in  God's  vine- 
yard, received  their  fit-out  at  National  Camp-meetings. 

A  further  account  of  the  meetings  will  be  given  in 
these  pages  as  we  proceed. 

•Life  of  Alfred  Cookman,  page  324. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 

Camp-meetings,  for  nearly  a  hundred  years,  have  been  a 
peculiar  institution  of  American  Methodism.  They  were 
attended  at  first,  and  for  many  years,  with  very  remarkable 
results.  Bishop  Asbury  was  wont  to  call  them  "  our  har- 
vest seasons."  The  subject  of  entire  sanctification  was 
made,  at  nearly  all  these  gatherings,  as  prominent  as  the 
conversion  of  sinners.  There  are  left  us  authentic  records 
of  camp-meetings  held  in  Delaware  and  Maryland,  which 
give  us  some  idea  of  the  wonderful  work  of  God  among  the 
people. 

Rev.  Henry  Boehm,  in  his  "Reminiscences,"  tells  us  that 
at  a  camp-meeting  held  on  Dover  Circuit,  in  1805,  there 
were  eleven  hundred  conversions,  and  six  hundred  sanctifi- 
cations.  At  a  similar  meeting  held  near  Dover,  there  were 
1320  conversions,  and  916  sanctifications.  "  I  give  the 
figures,"  he  says,  "  just  as  I  wrote  them  down  in  my  journal 
in  July,  1806.  Shall  these  eyes,  before  they  are  closed  in 
death,"  he  exclaims,  "ever  witness  such  scenes  again? 
Shall  these  ears  ever  hear  such  cries  of  distress,  such  shouts 
of  joy,  such  songs  of  victory  ?  Shall  this  aged  heart  ever 
feel  such  shocks  of  Divine  power  as  I  felt  on  that  conse- 
crated ground  ?  " 

National  Camp-meetings  were  mainly  a  revival  of  the 
spirit  of  the  camp-meetings  of  early  times.    They  have  not 

196 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


197 


been,  and  were  never  intended  to  be,  confined  exclusively 
to  the  sanctification  of  belie  veps.  It  would  not  be  difficult 
to  show  that  more  sinners  have  been  converted  at  National 
Camp-meetings,  though  held  in  the  special  interests  of  en- 
tire sanctification,  than  have  been  converted  at  camp-meet- 
ings held  exclusively  for  the  conversion  of  sinners.  Up  to 
the  time  of  Mr.  Inskip's  death,  there  had  been  no  less  than 
fifty-two  national  camp-meetings.  At  forty-eight  of  these, 
he  piesided.  Taken  as  a  whole,  they  have  been  the  most 
remarkable  camp-meetings  ever  held  on  the  American  con- 
tinent. They  have  been  held  in  sixteen  states  of  the 
Union,  viz.,  Maine,  Massachusetts,  ^evv  Hampshire,  New 
York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  West  Virginia, 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Tennessee,  Wisconsin,  Iowa,  Kansas, 
and  Nebraska.  In  every  instance  save  two,  these  meetings 
have  been  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  and  on  camp-grounds  consecrated  to  such  special 
religious  services.  The  first  two  —  Vineland  and  Manheim 
—  were  selected  and  arranged  by  the  National  Association. 
In  every  other  instance  they  have  gone  by  special  invitation. 
They  have  never  foisted  their  services  upon  any  community 
where  they  were  not  urgently  invited.  No  year  has  passed 
in  which  they  have  not  been  obliged  to  refuse  nearly  as 
many  invitations  as  they  have  accepted.  Instead  of  fifty- 
two,  they  might,  had  they  been  able  to  command  the  time, 
have  held  one  hundred  National  Camp-meetings.  But  it 
must  be  remembered,  that  during  all  these  years,  most  of 
the  members  of  the  Association  have  been  regular  pastors, 
and  could  only  command  the  time  usually  allowed  them  for 
summer  vacation. 


198 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  WSEIP. 


We  present  here  a  tabulated  list  of  these  meetings,  with 
the  time  and  places  of  holding  them  :  — 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


1.  Yincland,  N.  J. 

2.  Manheim,  Pa. 

3.  Round  Lake,  N.  Y. 

4.  Hamilton,  Muss. 

5.  Oakington,  Md. 
C.  Desplaines,  111. 

7.  Kound  Lake,  N.  Y. 

8.  Urbana,  Ohio. 

9.  Oaks  Comers,  N.  Y. 

10.  Sea  Cliff,  N.Y. 

11.  Richmond,  Me. 

12.  TJrbana,  Ohio. 

13.  Williamsville,  111. 

14.  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

15.  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa. 
1G.  Landisville,  Pa. 

17.  Moundsville,  W.  Va. 

18.  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

19.  Sterling,  Mass. 

20.  Orchard  Beach,  Me. 

21.  Joliet,  111. 

22.  Fernwood,  Pa. 

23.  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa. 

24.  Urbana,  Ohio. 

25.  Orchard  Beach,  Me. 

26.  Newburgk,  N.  Y. 


July  17, 18G7. 
July  14, 1808. 
July  C,  18G9. 
June  21, 1S70. 
July  12, 1870. 
Aug.  9, 1S70. 
July  4,  1871. 
Aug.  7, 1871. 
June  12,  1872. 
July  3,  1872. 
July  24, 1872. 
Aug.  8,  1872. 
Sept.  4,  1872. 
Sept.21,lS72. 
June  2G,  1873. 
July  23,  1873. 
Aug.  30,  1873. 
Sept.  17,1873. 
June  17, 1S74. 
Aug.  12,  1874. 
Sept.  2,  1874. 
June  23, 1875. 
July  8,  1875. 
July  22,  1S75. 
Aug.  5, 1875. 
Aug.  25, 1875. 


27.  Bennett,  Neb. 

28.  Milwaukee,  Wis. 

29.  Loveland,  Ohio. 

30.  Shelter  Island,  N.  Y. 

31.  Newburgh,  N.  Y. 

32.  Orchard  Beach,  Me. 

33.  Clear  Lake,  Iowa. 

34.  Chester  Heights,  Pa. 

35.  Framingham,  Mass. 
3G.  Clear  Lake,  Iowa. 

37.  Newcastle,  Pa. 

38.  Epping,  N.  H. 

39.  Lawrence,  Kan. 

40.  Bennett,  Neb. 

41.  Sewickly,  Pa. 

42.  Douglas,  Mass. 

43.  Summit  Grove,  Md. 

44.  Urbana,  Ohio. 

45.  New  Castle,  Pa. 
4G.  Round  Lake,  N.  Y. 

47.  "       "  " 

48.  Warsaw,  Ind. 

49.  Round  Lake,  N.  Y. 

50.  Lincoln,  111. 

51.  Pitman  Grove,  N.  J. 

52.  Orchard  Beach,  Me. 


June  28, 1876. 
July  12,  1876. 
July  23,  1876. 
July  30, 1876. 
Aug.  23,  1876. 
Sept.  6, 1876. 
July  11,  1877. 
July  25, 1877. 
Aug.  15, 1877. 
July  10, 1878. 
July  24,  1878. 
Aug.  26,  1878. 
June  24, 1879. 
July  9,  1879. 
July  18,  1879. 
July  23,  1879. 
July  31,  1879. 
Aug.  13, 1879. 
Aug.  16,  1879. 
July  12,  1880. 
June  12, 1881. 
Aug.  5,  1881. 
July  6, 1882. 
Sept.  6,  1882. 
Aug.  7,  1883. 
Aug.  28, 1883. 


Mr.  Inskip  was  not  present  at  National  Camp-meetings 
Nos.  27,  29,  42,  and  50,  but  he  conducted  all  others  held,  up 
to  the  time  of  his  death. 

It  would  extend  this  volume  far  beyond  the  limits 
assigned  to  it,  to  notice  all  these  meetings,  and  attempt  to 
give  anything  like  a  satisfactory  account  of  them.  We  can 
do  little  more  than  name  them,  and  note  a  few  of  the  more 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


199 


striking  incidents  connected  with  them.  And  in  doing  this, 
one  scarcely  knows  which  to  select,  or  what  particular  inci- 
dents to  relate.  A  good-sized  volume  could  be  written  on 
any  one  of  the  forty-eight,  and  do  no  more  than  justice  to 
it. 

No  one,  who  was  present,  will  ever  forget 
Manheim. 

This  meeting  was  held  July  14, 1867,  in  the  old  Dutch  town 
of  Manheim,  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.  The  weather  was  oppres- 
sively hot;  dust  was  abundant;  water  scarce,  and  board 
most  miserable.  These  disadvantages  would  have  well  nigh 
crushed  most  camp-meetings.  But  notwithstanding  these 
unpropitious  circumstances,  the  meeting  was  a  perfect 
triumph  from  the  beginning  to  the  end.  Representative 
men  and  women  were  there  from  nearly  every  state  in  the 
Union.  The  tents,  extemporized  for  the  occasion,  numbered 
about  six  hundred 

The  Sabbath  was  a  great  day.  Not  less  than  twenty-five 
thousand  persons  were  on  the  ground,  including  about  three 
hundred  ministers.  Bishop  Simpson  was  present,  and 
preached  one  of  those  remarkable  sermons  for  which  he  was 
noted.  Text :  Bom.  viii.  14.  At  least  twelve  thousand 
eager  hearers  drank  in  the  word  which  fell  from  those  elo- 
quent lips.  Mr.  Inskip  preached  in  the  afternoon  on  Chris- 
tian perfection.  It  was  one  of  his  inspiring  sermons,  and 
greatly  moved  the  vast  crowds  which  thronged  the  place. 

Rev.  Alfred  Cookman,  in  the  evening,  instead  of  preach- 
ing a  regular  sermon,  did  what  was  vastly  better  —  related 
his  experience.    It  was  a  day  of  power. 

One  who  was  present,  gives  his  impressions  of  the  meet- 
ing in  the  Daily  Spy,  of  Columbia,  July  20.  Speaking  of 
Sunday  and  its  services,  he  says  :  — 


200 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


"Mr.  Editor, — We  have  been  permitted  to  spend  a  Sabbath  at 
2amp-ineeting,  and  truly  it  was  a  day  long  to  be  remembered  for  the 
crowds  of  people  and  clouds  of  dust.  The  atmosphere  was  like 
Egyptian  darkness — an  atmosphere  'that  might  be  felt.'  The 
streams  of  dusty  humanity  which  flowed  along,  from  early  morn  till 
late  in  the  evening,  seemed  to  have  but  one  object  in  view  —  to  see 
what  was  to  be  seen,  and  raise,  or  keep  up,  the  already  thick  clouds 
of  choking  dust  that  pervaded  tents,  eyes,  ears,  hair  and  clothes  of 
all.  I  would  not,  after  all,  have  been  absent  for  a  valuable  considera- 
tion. To  have  the  privilege  of  attending  the  experience-meeting  at 
the  stand  at  eight  o'clock,  in  itself  would  compensate  for  all  the 
sweltering  and  crowding  to  which  we  were  exposed.  There  were 
nearly,  if  not  quite,  five  hundred  witnesses  for  Jesus,  who  gladly 
stood  up  and  declared,  in  the  face  of  Heaven  and  the  vast  crowd  by 
which  they  were  surrounded,  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  had 
cleansed  them  from  all  sin.  This  was  the  largest  experience-meeting 
I  ever  saw,  and  such  a  holy  feeling  pervaded  the  assembly  that  happi- 
ness, peace,  and  joy  were  portrayed  on  every  countenance.  Again 
and  again  could  be  heard  the  loud  cry  of  '  Glory  to  God  ! '  It  re- 
quired no  stretch  of  imagination  to  likon  them  to  the  hosts  of  the 
Most  High,  while  going  up  to  possess  the  goodly  land.  Truly  the 
Lord  of  Hosts  was  among  His  people.  These  exercises  were  con- 
tinued nearly  to  the  preachiDg  hour  —  ten  o'clock.  A  few  remarks 
of  caution  and  advice  were  made  by  Presiding  Elder  Gray,  in  his 
usual  clear  and  decisive  manner,  telling  the  people  that  Bishop  Simp- 
son, who  was  to  preach,  could  be  heard  by  all,  if  perfect  stillness  was 
observed.  At  the  appointed  hour  the  bishop  advanced  to  the  stand, 
and,  looking  over  the  sea  of  upturned  faces,  gave  out  the  hymD  com- 
mencing with,  '  When  I  survey  the  wondrous  cross,'  etc.  After 
prayer,  he  read  for  the  first  lesson  the  nineteenth  Psalm,  and  for  the 
second  the  eighth  of  Romans.  The  text  was  Romans,  eighth  chapter 
and  fourteenth  verse  —  'As  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
they  are  the  sons  of  God.'  The  sermon  was  all  that  expectation 
could  hope  for  or  the  heart  could  desire.  The  time  occupied  m  de- 
livery was  one  hour  and  twenty  minutes,  and,  although  on  many 
heads  the  sun  poured  down  his  fierce  and  sickening  rays,  the  atten- 
tion was  constant  and  the  interest  unflagging.  The  good  bish  ip 
opened  up  a  vista  of  happiness  and  glory  to  many  anxious  souls, 
knowing  that  in  heaven  they  havt1  a  'more  enduring  inheritance.' 

"  In  the  afternoon  Rev.  Mr.  Inskip  occupied  the  stand.    This  dis- 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


201 


course  I  did  not  hear  ;  but  in  the  evening,  at  half-past  seven  o'clock, 
the  Rev.  Alfred  Cookinan,  with  all  the  earnestness  and  Christian 
sympathy  for  which  he  is  distinguished,  kept  that  assembly  interested, 
while  he  showed  the  deep  necessity  of  making  a  full  surrender  of  all 
to  God. 

"  The  afternoon  children's  prayer-meeting  in  the  Columbia  tent 
was  to  the  'little  ones'  a  happy  time.  I  felt  for  the  children  ;  the 
warm  day  was  quite  enough  to  bear,  but  to  be  inclosed  by  a  wall  of 
unthinking  men  and  women  was  quite  too  bad.  The  exercises  were 
well  worthy  of  attention,  but  a  thought  for  the  comfort  of  the  chil- 
dren should  have  been  enough  to  scatter  the  crowd  that  walled  up 
both  ends  of  the  tent." 

But  the  most  remarkable  service  at  Manheim,  was  held 
on  Monday  evening  at  the  stand.  It  will  ever  be  remem- 
bered as  a  "  Pentecost."  At  the  close  of  an  impressive 
sermon  on  "  Hindrances  to  Holiness,"  preached  by  Rev. 
John  Thompson,  of  Philadelphia,  the  people  were  exhorted  by 
Mr.  Inskip  to  look  to  God  for  the  baptism  of  power.  Two 
thousand  earnest  hearts  bowed,  and  engaged  in  silent  prayer. 
After  a  few  moments,  Dr.  G.  W.  Woodruff  commenced 
praying,  when,  all  at  once,  as  sudden  as  if  a  flash  of  light- 
ning from  the  heavens  had  fallen  upon  the  people,  one  sim- 
ultaneous burst  of  agony,  and  then  of  glory,  was  heard  in 
all  parts  of  the  congregation ;  and  for  nearly  an  hour,  the 
scene  beggared  all  description.  It  was  the  most  sublime 
spectacle  we  ever  witnessed.  Those  seated  far  back  in  the 
audience  declared  that  the  sensation  was  as  if  a  strong  wind 
had  moved  from  the  stand  over  the  congregation.  Several 
intelligent  people,  in  different  parts  of  the  congregation, 
spoke  of  the  same  phenomenon,  as  it  appeared  to  them. 
Sinners  stood  awe-stricken,  and  others  fled  affrighted  from 
the  congregation. 

A  minister,  writing  of  the  occasion,  says :  "  The  writer 
left  the  stand  in  the  midst  of  the  scene,  and  went  up  along 
the  left-hand  outside  aisle.    Such  a  sight  he  had  never  seen 


202 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


before.  Thousands  were  in  the  attitude  of  prayer.  An 
awful  presence  seemed  to  rest  upon  the  multitude.  There 
were  suppressed  sobs,  and  praises,  too. 

"  There  were  those  who  insisted  that  at  one  time  they 
heard  a  sound,  a  strange  sound,  as  of  a  rushing  mighty 
wind,  and  yet  as  if  subdued  and  held  in  check  over  that 
prayerful  congregation.  The  writer  went  to  his  tent,  far 
back  from  the  circle,  but  God  was  everywhere.  It  was  an 
awful  season.  Souls  were  wrestling  with  God,  who  was 
unrolling  to  many  the  long,  long  list  of  their  sins.  Unfaith- 
ful church  members  were  looking  and  shuddering  over  the 
dreadful  past.  The  people  were  face  to  face  with  God." 
(Penuel,  p.  260.) 

Scores  were  converted  and  sanctified,  and  we  are  sure 
that  no  one  who  witnessed  that  scene  need  regret  their  not 
being  present  at  the  "Pentecost."  It  was  Pentecost,  with 
some  of  its  external  symbols  wanting. 

During  the  progress  of  the  meeting,  a  brother  remarked 
that  he  had  just  witnesed  a  little  Pentecost.  He  was  asked 
to  explain.  He  said  he  had  come  from  a  testimony  meet- 
ing, where  Methodists,  Baptists,  Presbyterians,  Dutch  Ee- 
form,  Congrepationalists  and  Quakers,  had  spoken  of  the 
work  of  God  in  their  hearts,  and  from  the  testimony  given, 
he  was  utterly  unable  to  distinguish  the  one  denomination 
from  the  other.    This  was  Pentecost. 

A  correspondent  of  the  Methodist  said  of  Manheim: 
"  The  entire  meeting  was  wonderfully  well  managed.  I 
never  saw  such  excellent  generalship  as  that  displayed  by 
them.  This  meeting  must  tell  on  the  entire  church  of  the 
present  with  power.  Ministers  and  people  humbled  them- 
selves that  God  might  exalt  the  church  with  His  wonderful 
power,  and  clothe  it  with  the  glory  of  God  that  rested  upon 
the  ancient  altars." 

It  was  generally  admitted  by  those  who  were  present,  to 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


203 


have  been  the  most  remarkable  meeting  ever  held  on  the 
American  continent. 

Round  Lake,  1869. 

The  services  of  this  great  camp-meeting  opened  with  an 
extraordinary  sermon  by  Mr.  Inskip,  from  1  Thess.  v.  23 — 
"  The  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly."  Under  the 
preaching  of  that  sermon,  and  during  the  altar  services, 
many  were  able  to  claim  the  fulness  of  salvation  through 
faith  in  Christ.  The  number  in  attendance  was  very  large. 
Though  expressly  stipulated  with  the  railroad  company  that 
no  trains  should  run  to  the  ground  on  Sunday,  there  were 
present  on  that  day  not  less  than  twenty  thousand  people. 

All  the  services  were  of  an  extraordinary  character,  and 
the  testimonies  and  sayings  were  full  of  inspiration. 

"Camp-meeting"  John  Allen  said:  "This  is  the  199th 
camp-meeting  I  have  attended,  and  it  is  the  best  one  of  all." 

Following  a  most  powerful  sermon  by  Bishop  Peck,  from 
Heb.  xii.  14,  Eev.  B.  Pomeroy  said :  "  This  camp-meeting 
is  one  of  the  kingdom  slopes,  where  the  children  come  to 
sun  themselves.  I  am  glad  I  was  not  born  before  I  was, 
and  I  am  glad  God  has  spun  me  out  to  reach  this  day ;  and 
I  see  how  God  is  going  to  bear  me  over  every  terrestrial 
summit  without  brushing.  I  have  a  big  programme  before 
me,  for  I  begin  to  see  how  God  is  going  to  spread  His  work 
by  the  instrumentality  of  a  holy  church.  And  now,  men  of 
God,  don't  let  up  a  hair  in  this  work.  Keep  too  upright 
to  be  bought,  and  too  shrewd  to  be  sold,  and  I  will  stake 
Methodism  on  the  issue  of  1  Holiness  to  the  Lord.'  "  He 
continued  to  say :  "  This  is  a  wonderful  meeting.  It  seems 
I  could  afford  to  stay  out  of  Heaven  for  this.  This  meeting 
has  rolled  the  world  a  hundred  years  towards  the  millen- 
nium !  We  are  coming  to  Isaiah's  holy  visions.  I  see  the 
multitude  of  camels  are  coming,  the  dromedaries  of  Midian 


204 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


and  Ephah,  with  the  flocks  of  Kedar,  are  coming  up  to 
God's  altar,  and  holiness  is  to  be  written  upon  the  bells 
of  the  horses.  This  is  the  outflow  of  heavenly  influence, 
—  God's  great  Amazon,  —  which  is  to  flow  around  the  globe. 
Let  the  nations  make  way  for  the  coming  of  God." 

In  the  love-feast,  there  were  testimonies  from  twenty- 
nine  states,  the  District  of  Columbia,  Canada,  and  Great 
Britain.  As  these  testimonies  were  being  given,  no  lan- 
guage can  properly  describe  the  deep  interest  manifested 
among  the  great  crowd  who  were  present.  "  Amen ! " 
"  Glory  to  God ! "  and  "  hallelujahs,"  leaped  forth  on  all 
sides,  like  the  sound  of  many  waters. 

The  closing  services  of  this  remarkable  camp-meeting 
consisted  in  the  administration  of  the 

Lord's  Supper. 

The  table  was  arranged,  and  Bishop  Simpson  sat  on  one 
side  and  Mr.  Iuskip  on  the  other.  The  preachers,  in  large 
numbers,  were  gathered  around  them,  while  on  the  outside, 
to  the  farthest  limit  of  the  canvas,  sat  the  people.  Dr. 
Lore  read  a  hymn,  and  Dr.  Wright,  of  Cincinnati,  led  in 
prayer.  It  was  a  prayer  which  was  answered,  in  a  sweet 
and  yet  powerful  baptism  of  the  Spirit.  As  the  people 
flocked  to  the  table  of  the  Lord,  it  was  observed  that 
Methodist,  and,  hitherto,  close-communion  Baptist,  Church- 
man, Congregationalist,  and  Friend,  bowed  together  to  re- 
ceive the  symbols  of  that  "body  which  was  broken  for  us," 
and  that  "blood"  which  "cleanseth  from  all  unrighteous- 
ness." At  the  close,  Bishop  Simpson,  who  seemed  imbued 
with  "unction  from  the  Holy  One,"  made  a  brief  address. 
He  said  :  "  Dear  ministers  of  Jesus,  if  there  is  anything 
you  have  not  given  up,  now  is  the  time  to  consecrate  fully 
your  all  to  Christ.  You  need,  and  may  have,  a  fresh 
anointing  just  now.    O  Holy  Ghost,  come  now  upon  us  all ! 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


205 


We  see  no  visible  tongues  descending,  but  the  fire  is  here  t 
The  refining  flame  is  in  our  hearts.  Brethren,  there  never 
was  a  day  when  we  needed  more  power  than  now.  We  are 
jailed  to  meet,  in  this  land,  the  tide  of  heathenism  rolling 
in  upon  our  shores.  Infidelity  is  making  its  fiercest  onset. 
We  need  and  must  have  apostolic  power.  0  Lord,  clothe 
us  with  salvation !  Help  up  to  preach  Christ  as  we  never 
preached  before  —  a  present,  a  full,  a  precious  Saviour.  Let 
us  have  Him  in  our  hearts,  in  all  the  glory  of  His  name, 
and  ever  realize  that  He  saves  —  that  His  blood  cleanseth, 
cleanseth,  cleanseth."  ("Me!"  shouted  many  voices.) 
"  Yes,"  continued  the  bishop,  "  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanseth 
me  from  all  sin." 

Turning  from  the  ministers  to  the  people,  whose  faces 
were  bathed  in  tears,  and  whose  hearts  were  well  nigh  to 
bursting  with  holy  joy,  he  said:  "We  raise  a  monument  to 
the  living  Jesus.  When  our  friends  die  we  erect  a  tomb- 
stone, and  inscribe  their  name  and  our  love  there ;  but  our 
Lord  and  Master  needs  no  tomb-stone !  He  is  not  here. 
The  grave  could  not  hold  Him.  He  ascended  up  on  high ! 
Let  our  monument  be  believing  hearts,  sanctified  hearts, 
united  in  one,  built  up  in  Him.  The  base  on  this  earth,  but 
the  top  reaching  to  the  Heaven  of  heavens ! " 

No  one  can  describe  the  deep  emotion,  the  soul-rapture, 
of  that  congregation,  during  this  address. 

A  veteran  editor  said  of  Round  Lake  National  Camp- 
meeting:  "This  meeting  has  already  grown  to  mammoth 
proportions.  It  now  wields  a  powerful  influence  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  No  one  present  at  the  late 
meeting  at  Round  Lake,  could  for  a  moment  doubt  this : 
representatives  were  present  from  almost  every  State  in  the 
Union,  and  they  returned  by  the  hundred  and  by  the 
thousand,  carrying  with  them  the  spirit  and  influence,  and 
peculiarities  of  this  meeting,  for  it  was  a  meeting  of  shap- 
ing and  moulding  power." 


206 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


A  minister  from  Philadelphia,  said :  "  By  the  grace  of 
God,  I  have  been  at  the  Third  National  Camp-meeting,  at 
Round  Lake,  in  the  State  of  New  York.  I  expect  to  thank 
God  for  it  through  the  everlasting  ages.  The  effect  of  the 
meeting  was  Pentecostal.  And  who  but  an  infidel  will 
wonder  at  it  ?  The  Holy  Ghost  fell  on  that  vast  assemblage, 
time  and  again,  in  such  marvellous  and  evident  revealings 
of  the  glory  of  God,  as  were,  perhaps,  in  advance  of  the 
previous  experience  of  the  oldest  and  most  favored  children 
of  God,  who  witnessed  and  felt  these  heart-cleansing  and 
life-giving  shocks  of  love,  and  joy,  and  peace.  None  went 
wild.  There  was  no  case  of  trance.  At  times,  emotion 
became  so  uncontrollable,  as  to  make  a  Pentecostal  shout 
like  the  voice  of  many  waters.  Never  have  I  seen  such 
uniform  decorum  and  propriety  of  behavior." 

As  the  vast  crowd  were  about  to  separate,  they  were 
called  to  the  stand  for  a  parting  word.  Mr.  Inskip  made 
an  appropriate  address,  giving  the  people  such  counsel  as 
he  judged  to  be  proper  and  useful. 

Bishop  Simpson  followed  Mr.  Inskip  in  some  exceedingly 
appropriate  remarks.  Speaking  of  the  meeting,  he  said: 
"I  have  been  exceedingly  pleased  with  this  camp-meeting. 
Standing  as  I  have,  apart  from  its  management,  that  being 
in  the  hands  of  the  committee,  I  could  note  carefully  its 
general  working,  and  I  have  been  highly  pleased  with  it, 
and  with  the  oversight  and  general  arrangement.  Indeed, 
I  do  not  know  that  anything  more  could  have  been  done 
than  has  been,  to  promote  harmony,  and  add  to  the  efficiency 
and  spiritual  results  of  the  meeting,"  etc. 

The  doxology  was  sung,  the  benediction  pronounced  by 
the  bishop,  and  a  procession  was  formed,  the  ministers 
walking  arm  in  arm,  headed  by  Bishop  Simpson  and  Mr. 
Inskip.  These,  as  they  walked  around  the  ground,  were 
followed  by  a  "  great  multitude,"  male  and  female,  singing 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


207 


as  they  went  the  most  inspiring  music.  They  continued 
their  march  until  they  had  compassed  the  camp  three  times, 
then  deployed  in  front  of  the  stand,  the  ministers  forming  a 
line  and  the  laity  passing  before  them,  shaking  hands  as 
they  passed ;  then  dispersing  over  the  ground  rejoicing  in 
the  peace  of  God  that  passeth  all  understanding.  Thus 
closed  the  Third  National  Camp-meeting. 

Up  to  1870,  there  had  been  but  one  National  Camp-meet- 
ing a  year.  But  such  had  been  their  success,  that  invita- 
tions began  to  multiply.  In  1870,  three  meetings  were  held 
—  at  Hamilton,  Mass.,  Oakington,  Md.,  and  Desplaines,  111. 
At  Hamilton,  the  great  tabernacle  was  first  erected,  which 
was  secured  at  an  expense  of  some  $1800.    Size  90x130. 

The  meeting  was  held  too  early  in  the  season  for  the  lati- 
tude of  New  England,  and  the  weather  was  exceedingly 
unpropitious.  The  meeting,  though  not  a  financial  success, 
to  the  extent  the  local  association  anticipated,  was  glorious 
in  its  spiritual  results.  It  was  attended  by  a  large  number 
of  ministers  from  all  parts  of  New  England,  and  beyond. 
It  is  doubtful  if  at  any  of  the  National  Camp-meetings, 
more  ministers  entered  into  the  experience  of  perfect  love 
than  at  Hamilton.  Dr.  Dorchester  said,  at  the  Oakington 
Camp-meeting,  "that  the  late  National  Camp-meeting  at 
Hamilton  was  a  great  success.  The  fire  is  spreading.  Uni- 
tarians and  others  were  holding  special  meetings,"  as  the 
fruit  of  that  meeting.  Many  date  their  entire  sanctifica- 
tion  from  Hamilton. 

The  Oakington  meeting,  which  immediately  followed  Ham- 
ilton, was  in  some  respects  the  most  remarkable  of  any 
held  up  to  that  time.  The  grounds  were  new,  the  weather 
oppressively  hot  —  a  furnace  could  not  have  been  much 
more  uncomfortable.  And  yet  it  seemed  to  produce  no  pre- 
ceptible  effect  upon  the  meeting.  Nothing  seemed  so  much 
needed  at  the  opening,  as  rain.    The  people  asked  for  rain. 


208 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


Father  Coleman  bad  earnestly  prayed  that  heaven  would 
<l  kindly  mitigate  the  heat,  and  send  rain."  The  prayer  was 
answered,  and  the  opening  service  was  broken  up  by  a  copi- 
ous shower.  Still  the  heat  continued,  until  it  seemed  utterly 
unendurable.  One  writer,  in  speaking  of  the  close  of  the  fifth 
day  of  the  meeting,  says :  "  Never  did  the  sun  go  down  upon 
a  grander  scene  than  was  witnessed  at  Oakington,  at  the 
close  of  this  week.  Some  of  the  tents  were  so  exposed  to 
the  burning  rays  of  the  sun  that  the  occupants  could  not 
remain  m  them  in  the  middle  of  the  day ;  but  they  were 
uncomplaining,  and  sought  a  better  shade  in  the  woods, 
reading  the  Scriptures,  meditating,  and  praying,  when  not 
engaged  in  the  public  services.  God's  ministers,  working 
under  an  outward  pressure  which  it  seemed  human  nature 
could  not  sustain,  were  marvelously  helped.  They  preached 
with  the  thermometer  above  one  hundred  degrees,  with  men- 
tal clearness,  propriety  of  utterance,  and  far  reaching  power. 
The  people  were  in  high  spirits ;  no  wearying,  no  sign  of 
exhaustion  ;  closing  up  the  week  with  a  courage  which  said : 
'  We  are  well  able  to  go  up  and  possess  the  land.'  " 

The  Sabbath  at  Oakington  was  a  most  trying  day,  on  ac- 
count of  the  intense  heat ;  but  a  day  crowded  with  gracious 
victories. 

A  scene  in  the  morning  love-feast,  will  never  be  forgotten 
by  any  who  were  present.  As  the  sweet  and  soul-inspiring 
testimonies  came  from  hundreds  of  hearts  all  aglow  with 
perfect  love,  such  as :  "  As  at  Manheim  two  years  ago,  so  at 
Oakington,  Alfred  Cookman,  washed  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb,"  —  Rev.  W.  H.  Boole  stepped  to  the  front  of  the  stand 
and  said  :  "  In  all  probability,  at  this  very  hour  they  are 
proclaiming  the  dogma  of  papal  infallibility  at  Rome  ;  and 
I  propose  that  we,  here  and  now,  proclaim  Jesus  as  the  only 
infallible  Head  of  the  Church,  the  true,  the  only  Saviour  of 
men,  and  that  we  crown  Him  King  Eternal,  Lord  of  all." 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


209 


The  proposition  was  electric  in  its  effects.  Every  heart 
was  ready.    He  proposed  that  we  sing  one  verse  of 

"  All  hail  the  power  of  Jesus'  name,"  etc. 

No  sooner  was  the  request  made  than  that  vast  crowd 
sprang  to  their  feet,  and  poured  forth  such  a  volume  of  song 
as  earth  has  seldom  heard.  Not  content  with  one  verse, 
they  sang  the  second,  and  the  third  and  so  on  to  the  end. 
Such  was  the  deep  and  mighty  feeling  which  filled  every 
heart,  that  they  could  not  be  content  with  singing  the  hymn 
once,  but  commenced  it  again,  with  vastly  increased  spirit 
and  power,  so  that  Heaven  seemed  to  unite  with  earth  in 
paying  joyful  homage  to  the  world's  Redeemer. 

One  should  have  seen  Mr.  Iuskip  as  he  entered  into  this 
grand  service.  He  shouted,  he  sang,  he  gesticulated,  in  such 
a  manner  as  he  only  could  do.  We  doubt,  if  taken  as  a  whole, 
that  scene  has  ever  been  duplicated  or  ever  will  be. 

The  sermon  which  followed  this  remarkable  service,  was 
preached  by  Mr.  Inskip,  and  greatly  was  he  aided  in  pro- 
claiming entire  sanctification.  All  through  that  day,  not 
only  at  the  main  stand  and  tabernacle,  but  in  outside  places, 
sinners  were  arrested  by  the  earnest  words  of  God's  ser- 
vants, who  pushed  the  battle  to  the  gate.  Thus  the  work 
went  on  for  ten  days,  and  concluded  as  usual,  with  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  an  altar  service,  a  proces- 
sion, a  final  hand-shaking,  closing  with  the  benediction. 

Oakington  closed  July  22,  and  Desplaines,  111.,  eight 
hundred  miles  away,  commenced  Aug.  9. 

Desplaines  was  in  no  respect  inferior  to  any  National 
Camp-meeting  before  held. 

Mr.  Inskip's  opening  address,  setting  forth  the  object  of 
the  meeting,  was  clear  and  appropriate.  Scenes  of  thrilling 
interest  were  witnessed  at  almost  every  service.  The  sea- 
sons of  silent  prayer,  when  ministers  and  people  were  pros- 


210 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


trate  before  God,  with  their  faces  in  the  dust,  were  such  as 
few  could  witness  without  deep  conviction,  and  none  could 
participate  in  without  such  heart-searchings  as  brought 
them  to  a  better  life.  But  our  space  will  not  allow  of  their 
record  here.  The  closing  scene  was  without  a  parallel  in 
the  history  of  camp-meetings.  It  had  been  arranged  to 
close  with  short  addresses.  But  Mr.  Inskip,  as  he  came 
upon  the  stand,  at  half-past  seven  in  the  evening,  as  if  by  a 
sudden  inspiration,  for  which  he  was  noted,  seemed  to  lose 
sight  of  the  addresses,  and  commenced  by  exhorting  the 
brethren  on  the  stand  to  keep  the  fire  brightly  burning ;  and 
called  upon  the  people  to  come  from  their  tents,  declaring 
that  a  great  battle  was  to  be  fought  that  night,  under  the 
banner  of  Emmanuel. 

The  altar  was  cleared,  and  quickly  filled  with  sinners  who 
were  crying  for  mercy,  and  with  believers  seeking  perfect 
love.  Not  less  than  five  hundred,  including  many  ministers, 
prostrated  themselves  before  God ;  indeed,  the  whole  con- 
gregation were  at  the  mercy-seat.  Silent  prayer  followed,  — 
deep,  earnest  and  mighty.  Then  vocal  pleadings,  which 
seemed  to  move  all  hearts  and  bring  heaven  and  earth  to- 
gether. After  this  first  season  of  prayer,  some  fifty  persons 
arose  and  testified  that  they  had  there  found  Christ.  Prayer 
again  followed,  and  some  scores  more  gave  similar  testi- 
mony. Thus  the  meeting  continued  far  into  the  night. 
Then  two  or  three  brief  addresses  were  made ;  the  people 
marched  around  the  ground  in  procession,  while  singing  and 
shouting  filled  all  the  air.    It  seemed  a  heaven  on  earth. 

Dr.  Reid,  editor  of  the  Northwestern  Christian  Advocate, 
wrote  of  the  meeting:  "Silence  was  a  wonderful  power 
with  them;  the  vast  assembly  waiting  on  God,  just  waiting. 
Ob  !  we  shall  never  forget  it.  Not  a  word  said,  but  every 
heart  opened  heavenward,  and  God  pouring  His  blessing 
in.    The  results  in  bringing  souls  to  Christ,  estimating  no 


NATIONAL  CAMP-MEETINGS. 


211 


other  good  that  was  done,  marks  the  meeting  a  signal  suc- 
cess. It  has  evidently  marked  an  era  in  the  religious  experi- 
ences of  Northwestern  Methodism ;  and  thus  far  there  is  in 
it  great  promise  of  good,  and  little  promise  of  evil." 

A  minister,  writing  from  the  Northwest,  to  the  Home  Jour- 
nal, Philadelphia,  says  :  "The  whole  Northwest  is  in  a  blaze 
of  salvation.  Holiness  is  the  theme  in  every  direction.  I 
have  heard  from  every  quarter  that  God  is  among  the  people 
in  great  power.  I  h  ive  heard  from  several  places  that  the 
ministers  have  gone  home  covered  with  sanctified  power, 
and  whole  churches  are  at  the  altar  seeking  holiness.  Praise 
God  for  Desplaines  Camp-meeting  ! " 

Rev.  Henry  Bannister,  D.  D.,  writing  of  Desplaines 
Camp-meeting,  which  he  attended  throughout,  says  :  "  Of 
the  camp-meeting  at  Desplaines,  I  can  speak  from  personal 
observation.  Hungering  and  thirsting  for  righteousness,  I 
entered  into  warm  sympathy  with  its  object,  attending  from 
beginning  to  end.  It  is  enough  to  say,  that  as  to  scenes  of 
victorious  grace  which  occurred  among  thousands  there,  I 
have  never  experienced  the  like  in  all  my  religious  life  of 
over  fifty  years.  As  compared  with  other  gatherings,  ex- 
travagances were  rare.  The  hours  of  awful  silence  and 
consecration  in  those  vast  assemblages  (every  one  on  bended  - 
knee),  hushed  all  curious  comers  into  stillness  and  respect, 
and  so  overpowered  scores  that  they  rushed  forward  to  be 
prayed  for  and  were  converted." 

It  was  estimated  that  not  less  than  three  hundred  were 
converted,  and  one  thousand  believers  wholly  sanctified. 
Thus  ended  the  Sixth  National  Camp-meeting. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


» 

THE  PASTORATE  CLOSED. 

We  are  not  able  to  follow  Mr.  Inskip  from  this  period  in 
his  life  to  its  close,  through  all  the  details  of  his  remarkable 
labors.  To  do  so  would  fill  many  volumes.  When  it  is 
remembered  tbat  he  conducted  forty-two  National  Camp- 
meetings,  the  records  of  any  one  of  which  were  sufficient 
for  a  volume,  it  will  be  seen  that  such  an  attempt  is  not  to 
be  thought  of. 

As  he  closed  his  labors  at  Green  St.,  April,  1869,  there 
was  a  sharp  contest  between  Baltimore,  Wilmington,  Del., 
and  Lexington  Ave.,  New  York  City,  for  his  services. 
Wharton  St.,  Philadelphia,  had  also  given  him  an  urgent 
call.  He  was  personally  in  favor  of  Wilmington.  It  was 
his  early  home.  He  believed  he  ought  to  go  to  St.  Paul's, 
Wilmington,  but  was  ready  to  go  where  the  appointing 
power  might  send  him.  "  The  bishops,"  he  says,  "  manifest 
a  disposition  to  shift  the  responsibility  of  the  affair,  and 
more  than  one  attempt  has  been  made  to  induce  me  to  take 
it.  If  I  do  not  get  bewildered,  the  attempt  must  still  prove 
a  failure.  They  can  make  my  appointment  where  they 
will.  I  have  so  informed  them,  and  there  I  leave  the  case." 
He  is  quite  sure  that  Wilmington  will  succeed,  but  thinks 
that  Baltimore  makes  a  strong  case.  But  on  the  eleventh 
of  March,  the  Baltimore  Conference  having  closed,  he  says : 
"  Upon  examining  the  list  of  appointments,  find  my  name 
212 


THE  PASTORATE  CLOSED.  213 

< 

appended  to  Eutaw  St.  So  the  question  is  settled.  May 
God  make  it  a  better  year  than  we  have  ever  had ! " 

Mrs.  Inskip  was  in  very  feeble  health,  and  it  seemed 
quite  impossible  for  her  to  be  moved. 

Sunday,  March  28,  he  closed  his  labors  with  the  Green 
Street  Church.  "  I  never  had  such  a  closing  up  before,"  he 
says.  "  It  was  the  most  pleasant  affair  of  the  sort  I  ever 
had  anything  to  do  with." 

April  3,  they  left  New  York  for  Baltimore,  arriving  there 
early  in  the  afternoon.  They  were  received  "with  a 
kindness  and  warmth,"  which  made  them  feel  perfectly  at 
home.  It  is  doubtful  if  in  any  church  he  ever  served,  his 
labors  were  more  appreciated  or  the  fruit  more  abundant. 
Revival  followed  revival  until  hundreds  were  converted, 
and  hundreds  more  fully  sanctified  to  God.  It  would  be 
impossible  to  give  a  full  account  of  this  work.  We  can  but 
glance  at  its  more  prominent  features. 

In  the  fall  of  1870,  during  the  second  year  of  his  pastor- 
ate at  Eutaw  St.,  Mr.  Inskip  announced  in  a  meeting  for 
the  promotion  of  holiness,  that  there  would  be  "a  celebra- 
tion of  the  feast  of  Pentecost "  at  his  church.  Many  went 
forth  among  their  friends  and  acquaintances  to  urge  them 
to  attend,  and  prayed  much  for  the  success  of  the  meeting. 
As  the  time  drew  near,  the  people  seemed  drawn  nearer  to 
God.  No  programme,  or  special  arrangement,  was  decided 
upon.  It  was  simply  stated  that  there  would  be  "  watching, 
waiting,  praying,  and  believing,  interspersed  with  singing 
and  occasional  preaching."  And  when  the  people  assembled 
they  were  reminded  that  they  had  come  "to  watch,  and 
wait,  and  pray."  It  was  also  urged,  that  the  great  need  of 
the  church  was  heart  purity.  Their  success  depended  upon 
this.  It  was  claimed  that  it  we  had  a  holy  church,  we 
should  soon  have  a  converted  world.  A  widespread  desire 
for  the  mighty  baptism  of  the  Spirit  was  soon  manifest,  and 


214 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


prayer  was  almost  immediately  answered.  The  condition, 
character,  and  surroundings  of  those  for  whom  they  prayed, 
seemed  to  present  no  obstacle  to  their  faith.  They  "  laughed 
at  impossibilities,"  and  believed  in  "omnipotent  grace." 
Their  cry  was  to  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob.  Some  were  led 
to  pray  for  their  friends  at  a  distance,  and  to  receive  marked 
answers  to  their  prayers.  A  list  of  requests  was  kept  on  a 
roll  prepared  for  the  purpose,  and  at  one  time  it  was  re 
ported  to  contain  852  separate  requests,  referring  to  and 
describing  2670  persons.  Each  one  making  a  request, 
solemnly  promised  to  pray  for  each  person  on  the  list. 
Here  was  union  of  faith. 

Some  of  the  answers  received  were  truly  marvelous.  A 
sister  was  impressed  to  ask  prayers  for  an  aged,  embittered 
opponent  of  the  cause  of  Christ,  whose  good  wife  was  an 
earnest,  devoted  Christian,  that  God  might  so  influence  his 
mind  as  to  open  the  way  for  them  to  come  to  the  meeting.  The 
wife  said  that  she  believed  if  her  husband  could  be  induced 
to  come,  he  might  be  converted.  Two  days  afterward,  while 
seated  at  breakfast,  the  husband  said  :  "  Let  us  go  to  that 
meeting."  In  a  few  moments  they  were  on  their  way,  and 
reached  Baltimore  the  same  afternoon.  The  next  evening 
the  man  was  converted  to  God. 

An  old  lady,  in  great  distress,  asked  prayers  for  her  son, 
who  was  far  away.  Within  the  next  four  days,  a  letter  was 
received  from  him,  bringing  the  cheering  tidings  that  the 
Spirit  of  God  had  awakened  him,  and  he  had  determined  to 
lead  a  religious  life.  Another  elderly  lady,  who  had  made 
request  for  her  son,  received  an  answer  to  her  prayer  in  his 
conversion  in  a  western  city.  A  sister  became  greatly  dis- 
tressed for  the  salvation  of  her  brother,  whose  residence 
was  some  distance  from  the  city.  So  great  was  her  distress 
that  she  was  obliged  to  leave  the  church  and  return  to  her 
home.    Her  anxiety  so  prostrated  her  that  she  concluded  not 


THE  PASTORATE  CLOSED. 


215 


to  attend  the  evening  meeting.  The  family  had  all  gone  to 
church,  when  greatly  to  her  surprise,  her  brother  arrived. 
He  could  find  no  rest  at  home,  and  by  an  influence  he  could 
not  comprehend,  nor  well  resist,  came  to  the  city  to  attend 
the  Pentecost.  He  went  directly  to  the  church,  was  at  once 
induced  to  seek  God,  and  after  a  season  of  almost  unexam- 
pled agony  of  spirit,  yielded  to  Christ  and  was  saved.  He 
seemed  literally  transfigured,  so  wonderful  was  the  change. 

Rev.  John  Thompson,  in  a  letter  to  the  Home  Journal, 
gives  an  account  of  the  Sabbath  service.  It  is  an  exam- 
ple of  what  occurred  daily,  during  that  meeting.  "At  11 
o'clock,  Mr.  Inskip  announced  his  text :  '  Thou  shalt  arise 
and  have  mercy  upon  Zion,  for  the  time  to  favor  her,  yea, 
the  set  time  is  come.'  The  sermon  was  full  of  faith  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  and  appropriate  to  the  occasion. 

"  One  of  the  prominent  indications  that  the  time  to  favor 
Zion  was  come,  was  found  in  the  very  remarkable  interest 
felt  for  the  salvation  of  friends  and  relatives.  While  Bro. 
Inskip  was  dwelling  upon  this  point,  he  earnestly  prayed 
for  the  baptism  to  come  upon  the  congregation.  In  an 
instant,  very  many  in  the  audience  began  to  weep.  In  a 
few  moments,  Bro.  Inskip  was  lying  in  the  pulpit,  with  his 
face  to  the  floor ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  the  congregation 
fell  upon  their  knees,  some  rejoicing,  others  in  an  agony  of 
prayer  for  their  friends,  others  pleading  for  purity  of  heart; 
and  without  singing  or  exhortation,  the  congregation  con- 
tinued in  this  position  until  near  1  o'clock.  When  the  meet- 
ing closed,  those  who  had  been  burdened  for  the  welfare  of 
Zion  felt  that  victory  was  indeed  on  the  Lord's  side.  At  a 
few  minutes  past  three,  the  house  was  again  crowded,  now  to 
enjoy  a  prayer-meeting.  But  it  was  no  time  for  experience ; 
and  with  only  a  brief  exhortation,  penitents  were  invited 
to  the  altar  to  seek  pardon,  and  believers  to  seek  purity. 
Very  soon  the  altar  was  crowded.    In  a  little  time  Bro. 


216 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Inskip  announced  that  one  soul  had  been  converted,  and 
said:  'Let  us  sing  the  doxology.'  A  brother  called  out,, 
saying, '  Bro.  Inskip,  you  must  sing  the  doxology  three  times, 
for  three  of  my  children  have  been  converted.'  While  this 
was  being  done,  a  number  of  faithful  teachers,  in  tears,  started 
for  the  gallery  to  talk  with  the  children  of  their  classes. 
Some  of  them  soon  returned,  bringing  their  trophies  with 
them.  All  the  afternoon,  as  fast  as  one  soul  was  converted, 
another  was  ready  to  occupy  the  vacated  place  at  the  altar. 
One  youth,  seeing  no  place  outside  the  rail,  came  inside, 
but  had  not  been  noticed  as  a  seeker.  In  a  short  time  he 
was  on  his  feet  praising  God  that  he  had  found  the  Saviour. 
This  was  a  most  interesting  sight,  and  much  impressed 
many  minds.  A  few  minutes  after,  a  brother  who  had  re- 
ceived the  blessing  of  perfect  love  was"  on  his  feet,  telling 
the  congregation,  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  had 
cleansed  his  heart,  and  filled  him  with  love.  He  told  us 
that  his  wife  had  lived  in  the  enjoyment  of  this  experience 
for  a  year,  and  he  had  been  watching  her ;  and  from  her 
life,  he  was  satisfied  there  was  reality  in  it,  and  that  he  had 
resolved  to  have  the  blessing  if  it  was  for  him.  His  looks 
thoroughly  endorsed  his  profession. 

"  I  presume  no  one  thought  of  counting  the  number  con- 
verted or  sanctified  in  this  meeting,  so  I  cannot  make  any 
report  on  this  point." 

Mr.  Inskip  reported  at  one  time  three  hundred  and  four- 
teen conversions,  with  the  work  still  progressing. 

In  the  month  of  January,  he  assisted  in  revival  work  at 
Caroline  St.,  Baltimore,  and  also  at  Union  Square.  In  both 
churches  the  work  was  deep  and  far-reaching.  Scores  were 
converted  and  sanctified. 

As  the  year  drew  towards  the  close,  he  became  deeply 
interested  in  his  contemplated  evaugelistic  work.  Frequent 
calls  for  such  service  impressed  him  with  the  duty  of  devot- 


TBI.  PASTORATE  CLOSED. 


Ill 


ing  his  whole  time  to  that  work.  "  It  looks  to  me,"  he 
says,  "  as  if  I  shall  be  compelled  to  take  a  different  position 
at  our  next  annual  conference.  I  fully  believe,  if  I  had  no 
pastoral  charge,  I  could  do  much  more  for  the  cause  of  the 
Master  than  in  my  present  relation.  I  do  not  wish  to  break 
over  any  church  regulations ;  but  I  must,  it  seems  to  me, 
have  a  wider  field." 

It  was  no  small  matter  for  a  minister,  who  had  taken 
regular  work  from  the  conference  for  thirty-five  years,  to 
turn  aside  from  that  work,  to  go  he  knew  not  where,  and  to 
receive  for  his  hire  he  knew  not  what.  But  he  had  fully 
settled  all  these  questions,  and  was  moved  to  this  peculiar 
work  by  motives  that  touched  only  his  duty  and  his  useful- 
ness. He  believed  that  God  had  called  him  to  this  work, 
and  later  results  fully  confirmed  the  earlier  conviction. 

The  conference  met  in  March,  and  he  took  a  supernumerary 
relation,  without  an  appointment,  and  on  the  sixth  day  of 
the  month,  left  Baltimore  for  the  West.  This  was  done  by 
the  advice  of  Bishop  Ames,  who  seems  to  have  been  in  full 
sympathy  with  all  his  plans  for  evangelistic  labor.  For 
twelve  years  Mr.  Inskip  did,  mainly,  "the  work  of  an 
evangelist,"  travelling  through  all  sections  of  America, 
and  finally  "around  the  world;"  witnessing  everywhere, 
to  small  and  great,  that  u  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleans- 
eth  from  all  sin." 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


EVANGELISTIC    WORK.  —  ACROSS    THE    CONTINENT.  —  SACRA- 
MENTO. 

From  the  time  Mr.  Inskip  advanced  to  the  higher  state 
of  Christian  experience,  he  was  burdened  with  an  increasing 
conviction  that  greater  effort  should  be  made  to  bring  the 
doctrine  of  Christian  holiness  more  prominently  before  the 
churches  at  large.  His  great  success  in  advancing  the 
cause  in  the  respective  charges  where  he  labored,  in  New 
York  and  Baltimore,  also  impressed  him  very  deeply,  that 
he  should  devote  himself  especially  to  this  work.  This, 
however,  he  could  not  do  while  as  pastor  he  had  charge  of  a 
church,  with  all  the  numerous  and  varied  duties  of  the 
pastorate  upon  his  hands.  He  resolved,  therefore,  to  give 
his  whole  time  and  strength  to  the  promotion  of  the  doc- 
trine and  experience  of  "the  higher  life."  Such  purpose 
seemed  consistent  to  him,  inasmuch  as  entire  sanctihcation 
Jiust  be  regarded  as  the  distinguishing  doctrine  of  Metho- 
dism, taught  by  the  standard  authors  of  the  church. 

He  says,  in  a  letter  to  the  Advocate  of  Christian  Holi- 
ness :  "  For  many  years  past,  the  conviction  on  my  mind, 
that  the  Lord  called  me  to  a  larger  field  of  operation  than 
that  furnished  by  the  regular  pastorate,  has  been  increasing 
in  clearness  and  strength.  Many  of  my  most  devoted  and 
confiding  friends,  both  of  the  clergy  and  laity,  have  fre- 
quently urged  that  I  ought  to  move  upon  a  line  of  evangel- 

218 


EVANGELISTIC  WORE. 


219 


istic  effort,  insisting  that  I  could  serve  the  cause  of  the 
Redeemer  better  in  that  way  than  any  other.  Yet  in  view 
of  the  fact  that,  in  our  ecclesiastical  polity,  there  is  no  pro- 
vision for  anything  of  the  kind,  I  have  hesitated  and 
declined.  But  I  can  do  so  no  longer.  The  pressure  upon 
me  is  so  great  that  I  cannot  do  otherwise  than  yield,  and, 
as  God  may  help  me,  endeavor  to  answer  the  call.  Of 
course,  I  can  hardly  expect  that  all  will  understand  and 
approve  my  course.  I  rejoice,  however,  to  believe  that  my 
motives  will  be  fairly  appreciated  by  those  who  know  the 
circumstances.  *  *  *  The  recent  invitation  to  the  Pacific 
Coast,  and  a  call  from  the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic,  and 
numerous  other  urgent  solicitations  for  special  service,  pre- 
sented to  the  minds  of  the  members  of  the  National  Asso- 
ciation a  state  of  facts  which  convinced  all,  that  some  of  us 
were  divinely  called  to  meet  the  emergency.  Upon  looking 
candidly  and  prayerfully  into  the  peculiar  qualifications, 
circumstances,  and  surroundings  of  each,  all  seemed  to  be 
perfectly  agreed  that  I  ought  to  give  myself  to  this  special 
work.  This  was  further  confirmed  by  a  similar  opinion 
freely  and  repeatedly  expressed  by  some  of  our  chief  minis- 
ters, and  a  large  number  of  influential  laymen."  The 
letter  closes  with  an  earnest  appeal  to  the  friends  of  the 
cause,  "that  he  might  be  guided  in  this  matter  by  the 
blessed  Holy  Spirit,  and  that  great  success  might  attend  his 
humble  endeavor  to  spiead  the  doctrine  and  experience  of 
Christian  holiness  throughout  the  world." 

From  the  intimations  given  in  this  letter,  it  is  apparent 
that  Mr.  Inskip  was  fully  aware,  in  making  this  subject  a 
specialty,  that  a  technical  ecclesiasticism  might  criticise  the 
movement  as  a  self-appointed  agency  with  schismatical 
tendencies.  But  in  his  estimation,  this  higher  form  of 
Christian  doctrine  and  experience  was  not  only  the  spiritual 
standpoint  of  the  Methodist  Church  but   it  is  the  most 


\ 


220 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


significant  and  powerful  impulse  leading  to  the  speedy  con- 
version of  the  world.  Therefore,  loyalty  to  Methodism  and 
the  complete  qualification  of  the  church  for  her  great  mis- 
sion, seemed  to  him  to  require  a  special  effort  to  urge  upon 
the  church  this  intensified  form  of  spiritual  life.  That  he 
was  not  mistaken,  appears  in  the  fact,  that  not  only  great 
numbers  of  ministers  and  thousands  of  church  members 
have  been  quickened  in  their  religious  experience,  and 
sanctified;  but  multitudes  of  sinners  have  also  been  con- 
verted and  added  to  the  church,  and  by  means  of  this  re- 
vival of  spirituality  and  fuller  consecration  to  the  cause  of 
Christ,  large  amounts  have  been  given  to  the  work  of 
missions,  and  the  various  benevolent  institutions  of  the 
church.  Thus  it  appears,  that  vital  force  in  the  church  is 
the  real  root  and  spring  of  all  her  great  achievements  in 
extending  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  It  was  in  full  view  of 
all  these  important  facts  that  Mr.  Inskip  retired  from  the 
pastorate,  for  the  work  of  an  evangelist. 


First  Field  of  Labor  as  an  Evangelist. 

Mr.  Iuskip's  first  great  work  as  an  'evangelist,  was  on 
the  Pacific  Coast,  and  in  Salt  Lake  City.  The  Association 
of  which  he  was  president,  had  received  frequent  and  press- 
ing invitations  from  influential  ministers  and  members  of 
the  church  in  California,  to  hold  a  series  of  tabernacle 
services  in  that  State  for  the  promotion  of  Christian  holi- 
ness. The  low  spiritual  condition  of  the  church  was  urged 
as  a  reason  for  these  special  services.  Experimental 
religion,  with  some  honorable  exceptions,  was  to  a  great 
extent  ignored,  and  worldliness  seemed  to  have  full  scope 
and  sway. 

It  no  doubt  appeared  quite  absurd  to  many  good  people, 
that  Mr.  Inskip,  and  others  of  the  Association,  should  go 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 


221 


three  thousand  miles  to  hold  special  services  for  the  pro- 
motion of  holiness,  under  such  circumstances.  It  would 
rather  be  thought  more  fitting  to  make  some  grand  effort 
for  the  conversion  of  sinners.  But  to  those  acquainted 
with  this  work,  it  was  clear  that  this  holiness  movement 
was  the  only  thing  that  could  effectively  reach  the  case. 

The  unconverted  were  familiar  with  the  old  methods  of 
"  getting  up  revivals,"  and  were  almost  entirely  uninflu- 
enced by  them.  Ministers  could  go  into  a  drinking 
saloon  and  preach  and  pray  to  their  heart's  content ;  the 
company  would  quietly  listen  and  give  respectful  attention ; 
but  when  the  services  were  concluded,  the  drinking  and 
card-playing  would  be  resumed  as  though  nothing  uncom- 
mon had  transpired. 

In  response  to  the  invitation  before  mentioned,  Rev. 
Wm.  McDonald,  vice-president  of  the  Association,  Revs. 
Seymour  Coleman,  Wm.  H.  Boole,  and  Wm.  B.  Osborn, 
were  appointed  to  accompany  and  aid  Mr.  Inskip  in  holding 
ten-days'  meetings  in  Sacramento,  Santa  Clara,  and  in  San 
Francisco  (if  it  should  appear  advisable).  They  also  ac- 
cepted the  invitation  of  Kev.  G.  M.  Pierce,  and  others,  to 
hold  a  similar  meeting  in  Salt  Lake  City.  Mrs.  Inskip, 
Mrs.  McDonald,  and  Mrs.  Boole,  accompanied  their  husbands. 
Arrangements  were  also  made  to  use  the  large  tent,  or  tab- 
ernacle, owned  by  the  Association,  in  which  to  hold  the 
contemplated  meetings,  it  being  of  suitable  capacity  — 
holding  about  four  thousand  persons. 

Mr.  Inskip,  having  been  invited  by  Bishop  Ames  to  ac- 
company him  on  his  official  visits  to  several  conferences  in 
the  Southwestern  State*,  arranged,  accordingly,  to  take  the 
southern  route,  and  meet  others  of  the  company  at  Omaha. 
In  relation  to  this  part  of  the  trip,  Mr.  Inskip  states :  "  On 
Monday,  March  6,  we  left  the  Eutaw  St.  parsonage,  and  our 
numerous  friends  in  Baltimore,  and  started  on  our  journey 


222 


LIFE  OF  JOHX  S.  INSKIP. 


westward.  Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  on  our 
journey  until  we  reached  St.  Louis.  On  our  arrival  there, 
we  were  greeted  with  the  most  fraternal  reception.  Preach- 
ers and  people  did  all  they  could  to  make  us  feel  at  home. 
The  object  of  our  visit  seemed  to  be  understood ;  and  hence 
we  proceeded  at  once  to  our  work  without  embarrassment. 
At  every  service  holiness  was  the  leading  theme.  The 
religious  influences  of  the  occasion  were  of  a  most  marked 
and  decisive  character.  Many  entered  into  the  valley  of 
blessing  so  sweet.  In  one  instance  nearly  the  whole  confer- 
ence came  to  the  altar  seeking  the  baptism  of  fire.  It  was 
an  inspiring  scene ;  one,  indeed,  that  will  never  be  forgot- 
ten." He  adds :  "  We  were  kindly  received,  also,  by  the 
M.  E.  Church  South,  and  enjoyed  some  precious  seasons 
with  them." 

The  following  resolution  was  passed  by  the  St.  Louis 
Conference :  — 

"St.  Louis,  March  13,  1871. 
"  Resclved,  That  we  tender  our  thanks  to  Rev.  J.  S.  Inskip  for  his 
visit  to  tbis  conference,  and  for  his  earnest  and  effective  service  dur- 
ing our  session.  We  humbly  express  our  hearty  sympathy  with  him 
in  his  evangelistic  labors,  and  shall  follow  him  with  our  most  sincere 
prayers  and  good  wishes  in  his  future  course. 

"  Leroy  M.  Vernon,  Sec'y  St.  Louis  Conf." 

From  St.  Louis  they  proceeded  to  Paola,  Kansas.  From 
nere  he  writes :  "  We  also  received  a  most  hearty  welcome 
at  Paola.  The  brethren  of  the  Kansas  Conference  gladly 
and  warmly  responded  to  our  humble  efforts  to  promote  the 
experience  of  true  holiness.  The  spirit  of  prayer  prevailed, 
and  many  felt  the  conference  to  be  a  means  of  grace.  The 
whole  community  seemed  to  be  roused  and  interested." 

The  following  resolution  was  passed  by  the  Kansas  Con- 
ference :  — 


EVANGELISTIC  WORE. 


223 


"Paola,  March  17,  1871. 
"  Resolved,  That  Rev.  J.  S.  Inskip  and  his  co-laborers  in  carup- 
meeting  work,  are  cordially  invited  to  visit  our  field  of  labor  ;  and  we 
will  heartily  co-operate  with  them  in  the  work  of  extending  the  Re- 
deemer's kingdom. 

"R.  S.  Horfobd,  Sec'y." 

After  spending  the  Sabbath  in  Kansas  City,  they  jour- 
neyed to  Savannah,  the  seat  of  the  Missouri  Conference. 
The  conference,  as  Mr.  Inskip  wrote,  "  was  truly  a  Pente- 
costal season.  All  appeared  to  earnestly  desire  a  knowledge 
of  the  '  more  excellent  way.'  Several  of  the  preachers  were 
led  into  the  enjoyment  of  full  salvation.  The  members  of 
the  conference  were  greatly  quickened  and  encouraged.  It 
was  a  rare  occasion  of  spiritual  comfort  —  much  more  like 
an  old-fashioned  protracted  meeting  than  an  annual  confer- 
ence." "  Finally,"  he  adds,  "  we  reached  Lincoln,  Nebraska. 
Our  brethren  of  this  conference,  like  all  the  others,  cheer- 
fully bade  us  God-speed.  By  special  request,  as  elsewhere, 
religious  services  were  held  an  hour  prior  to  each  session. 
The  Lord  poured  His  Spirit  upon  the  people,  and  many 
learned  to  walk  in  the  highway  of  holiness." 

From  Lincoln  they  came  to  Omaha  and  Council  Bluffs. 
Here,  also,  God  gave  them  some  fruit  of  their  toil,  which 
will  appear  in  the  day  of  the  Master's  coming. 

Mr.  Inskip  closes  his  account  of  this  part  of  his  evan- 
gelistic tour  by  saying :  "  Mrs.  Inskip  and  I  have  greater 
confidence  in  the  church  than  ever,  and  are  more  fully 
assured  of  success.    Praise  the  Lord  forever ! " 

Across  the  Continent. 

The  company  from  the  East  arrived  at  Council  Bluffs 
late  Saturday  evening,  the  train  being  several  hours  behind 
time.    The  next  morning,  part  of  the  company  crossed  the 


224 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


river  to  attend  worship  in  Omaha.  Rev.  Messrs.  McDonald, 
Boole,  and  Osborn,  spent  the  Sabbath  at  Council  Bluffs, 
preaching  greatly  to  the  edification  of  the  people  there. 
Mr.  Inskip  preached  in  both  Methodist  Churches  in  Omaha, 
—  giving  an  account  in  the  evening,  of  the  holiness  move 
ment  in  the  East. 

An  accident  occurred  after  the  evening  service,  that 
threatened  to  mar  the  enjoyment,  and  embarrass  the  plans, 
of  the  campaign.  The  night  was  very  dark,  and  as  some 
of  the  party  were  returning  from  church,  the  driver  mistook 
the  way,  and  drove  the  carriage  off  the  bridge,  precipitating 
the  occupants  down  a  deep  ravine  into  the  creek.  All  es- 
caped serious  injury,  except  Rev.  Mr.  Coleman.  The  brave 
old  man  said :  "  The  devil  was  trying  to  kill  me,  to  prevent 
my  going  to  California,  but  the  Lord  would  not  allow  him 
to  do  it."  By  the  assistance  of  the  brethren,  and  a  good 
pair  of  crutches,  he  was  enabled  to  proceed  on  the  journey. 

On  Monday,  the  tenth  of  April,  the  whole  company  mus- 
tered at  Omaha.  Besides  those  of  the  National  Camp-meet- 
ing Association,  there  were  in  the  party  —  Rev.  J.  E.  Searles 
and  wife,  of  the  New  York  East  Conference ;  Rev.  R.  M. 
Stratton,  of  the  New  York  Conference ;  Rev.  W.  C.  Judd, 
of  the  India  Mission ;  Rev.  A.  B.  Leonard,  of  the  Pitts- 
burgh Conference  ;  Mrs.  A.  T.  Briggs,  of  New  York.  There 
were  also  on  the  same  train,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Vincent,  Philip 
Philips  and  wife,  D.  L.  Moody,  Rev.  C.  Nichols,  Rev.  J.  G. 
Miller,  and  Orville  G-ridley,  Esq.,  all  bound  for  the  "  Golden 
Gate."  A  rainstorm  that  commenced  the  night  before,  had 
changed  to  snow,  and  when  the  train  had  proceeded  some 
eighty  miles,  it  came  to  a  halt  at  a  little  village  called 
Schuyler,  where  it  was  compelled  to  remain  fourteen  hours, 
by  the  violence  of  the  storm,  and  the  interruption  of  tele- 
graphic communication,  by  which  the  trains  were  regulated 
west  of  Omaha.    During  this  delay,  some  of  the  big  tent's 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 


225 


company  visited  the  scattered  houses  in  the  little  village. 
Thi-i  people  seemed  amazed  when  these  strangers  approached 
their  dwellings,  but  were  more  surprised  when  asked  the 
privilege  of  singing  and  praying  with  them ;  especially  in 
the  billiard  and  drinking  saloons.  The  people  listened  with 
a  degree  of  astonishment,  as  though  some  visitants  from 
another  world  had  dropped  down  among  them.  After  going 
from  house  to  house,  and  giving  a  few  words  of  kindly  ex- 
hortation, the  company  returned  to  the  train  ;  soon  after 
which,  the  storm  raged  with  great  fury. 

This  incident  is  mentioned  to  show  how  the  Lord  is  ready 
to  acknowledge  the  faithful  labors  of  his  people.  A  year  or 
more  after,  Mr.  Boole  received  a  letter  stating  that  from  the 
good  seed  sown  by  the  wayside,  a  gracious  revival  of  religion 
sprang  up,  and  many  of  the  people  in  the  place  had  been 
converted ;  and  as  the  final  outcome,  they  had  a  church  and 
stationed  pastor. 

The  journey  across  the  plains  was  relieved  of  weariness 
by  singing,  reading,  family  worship,  a  sermon,  and  the  most 
exuberant  social  intercourse ;  also  by  amusing  incidents, 
and  by  new  and  entrancing  scenery. 

But  hold !  the  train  is  slowing  down,  —  every  heart  is 
palpitating  with  excitement.  Yes,  here  they  are,  at  the 
beautiful  city  of  Sacramento,  the  capital  of  the  State  of 
California.  But  what  means  this  crowd  of  people?  The 
mystery  is  soon  solved,  —  the  big  tent  company  are  expected 
on  this  train.  And  there  is  no  mistaking  their  coach,  for 
far  over  mountain  and  plain  it  had  echoed  with  the  glad 
songs  of  Zion,  and  now  entered  the  grand  depot  resounding 
with  "  the  old,  old  story." 

Then  there  was  a  fraternal  rush  and  greeting  that  beggars 
description,  and  quite  amazed  observing  strangers,  bringing 
to  many  eyes  unbidden  tears.  Bev.  Messrs.  Newton  and 
Heacock,  and  the  leading  men  and  women  of  the  churches, 


226 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


boarded  the  car,  expressing  the  warmest  welcome,  and  sup- 
plying the  company  with  refreshments. 

The  meeting  at  Sacramento  having  been  appointed  to 
commence  the  twenty-second,  the  company  proceeded  with 
the  train,  to  spend  the  intervening  time  in  San  Francisco. 
Rev.  Dr.  Cox,  Rev.  Mr.  Bentley,  and  others,  as  well  as  a 
deputation  of  laymen,  met  the  company  at  Oakland,  the 
terminus  of  the  road.  From  there,  by  ferry,  they  crossed 
the  beautiful  bay,  some  six  miles  wide,  to  the  metropolis  of 
the  Pacific  Coast. 

The  company  were  very  kindly  entertained  by  the  minis- 
ters and  members  of  the  churches.  All  the  Methodist  pul- 
pits were  supplied  on  Sabbath  by  the  visiting  ministers 
from  the  East.  On  the  following  Monday  evening,  an  in 
formal  union  reception  meeting  was  held  at  the  Powell  St. 
Church,  characterized  by  the  highest  type  of  Christian  fra- 
ternity and  brotherly  love.  The  meeting  was  of  great 
interest,  and  its  influence  upon  all  was  of  the  most  delight- 
ful character. 

The  Meeting  at  Sacramento. 

As  before  mentioned,  the  meeting  was  appointed  to  com- 
mence at  Sacramento  on  Saturday,  the  twenty-second  of 
April.  All  the  preparations  were  completed  according  to 
previous  arrangements.  The  tabernacle  was  pitched  on  1  he 
public  piazza  —  a  beautiful  park  in  the  midst  of  the  city. 
To  an  observer  the  scene  was  at  once  attractive  and  full  of 
interest.  The  whiteness  of  the  great  tent,  with  a  capacity  to 
hold  some  four  thousand  persons,  was  a  picture  never  to  be 
forgotten.  But  beyond  its  symmetry  and  beauty,  it  had  a 
special  significance  :  though  there  was  no  visible  pillar  of 
cloud  or  fire  resting  upon  it,  an  invisible  presence  which 
one  could  feel,  was  there,  and  pervaded  the  place.  The  air 
seemed  thronged  with  visitants  from  auother  sphere,  who 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 


227 


had  come  to  witness,  if  not  to  take  some  part,  in  the  battle 
between  sin  and  holiness  about  to  be  waged.  Prayer  had 
been  offered  unceasingly,  over  all  the  land,  by  the  friends 
of  holiness,  for  months  previous,  that  this-  movement  on 
the  Pacific  Coast  might  be  a  signal  success  ;  and  many 
spiritually  weary  ones  were  looking  forward  to  these  meet-— 
ings  with  longing  hopes  that  they  might  find  the  sweet  rest 
of  faith ;  and  many  others  were  awaiting  the  same  with 
curious  questionings  as  to  what  would  be  their  peculiar 
character  and  results. 

The  meeting  was  opened  at  2  o'clock  p.  m.  Most 
of  the  clergy  of  the  city  were  present  and  took  seats 
on  the  large  platform.  The  congregation  was  respectable 
in  numbers  and  intelligence.  Eev.  Mr.  Osborn  read,  and 
the  people  sang,  the  "  battle  hymn,"  — 

"  There  is  a  fountain  filled  with  blood," 

after  which  he  offered  an  earnest  prayer  for  the  special  aid 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  services  then  commenced.  Rev. 
Wm.  Boole  read  the  thirty  fifth  chapter  of  Isaiah  ;  after 
which  another  hymn  was  sung.  Mr.  Inskip  preached  a 
deeply  impressive  sermon  from  Acts  ix.  31  — "  Then  had 
the  churches  rest  throughout  all  Judea,  and  Galilee,  and 
Samaria,  and  were  edified  :  and  walking  in  the  comfort  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  were  multiplied."  At  the  conclusion  of 
the  sermon,  at  the  invitation  of  Mr.  Inskip,  a  number 
came  forward  as  seekers  of  heart-purity. 

In  the  evening,  a  large  congregation  assembled  in  the 
tabernacle ;  many  of  the  rougher  sort  were  present,  and 
were  inclined  to  interrupt  the  services.  But  Mr.  Osborn's 
sermon  told  with  great  power  upon  the  more  thoughtful  of 
the  audience.  After  the  sermon,  Mr.  Inskip  delivered  a 
thrilling,  heart-searching  exhortation,  and  a  large  number 
responded  to  the  invitation  to  seek  the  baptism  of  the  Holy 


228 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Spirit.  Thus  the  first  day  closed  with  a  decided  gain  to 
the  cause  of  Christ.  The  initiative  had  been  taken,  the 
kpy-note  sounded,  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  had  evidently 
coine  upon  the  people. 

It  would  be  superfluous  to  say  the  Sabbath  was  a  bright 
and  sunny  day,  for  in  California  they  have  no  clouds  in 
their  summer  skies.  But,  "  the  prince  of  the  power  of  the 
air  "  raised  a  breeze,  and  seemed  bent  on  blowing  down  the 
tabernacle ;  but  unseen  hands  of  good  angels  held  it  up,  so 
that  it  stood  firm  amidst  the  blast.  The  Sabbath  services 
commenced  at  9  a.m.,  with  a  love-feast.  The  testimonies 
generally  indicated  a  low  state  of  spirituality  in  the 
churches,  but  gave  evidence  that  many  hearts  were  aroused 
to  feel  their  need  of  the  great  salvation.  Some  of  the  more 
aged  Christians  seemed  to  catch  the  spirit  of  the  meeting 
in  advance,  and  recognized  it  as  resembling  periods  of  power 
which  had  distinguished  their  better  days  of  Christian  ex- 
perience ;  and  with  tearful  eyes,  thanked  God  for  a  sound 
that  awakened  the  bright  memories  of  those  happy  seasons 
long  past.  At  the  close  of  the  love-feast,  Mr.  Inskip 
preached  one  of  the  most  convincing  and  powerful  sermons 
on  the  subject  of  holiness,  that  even  his  friends  had  ever 
heard  from  him.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  upon  him  in 
^reat  power.  At  the  close  of  the  sermon,  not  less  than  one 
hundred  souls  bowed  before  the  Lord  in  prayer,  as  seekers 
of  full  salvation.  The  whole  burden  of  thought  and  desire 
seemed  to  be  sweeping  the  multitude  to  the  fountain  of 
cleansing. 

In  the  afternoon,  Mr.  McDonald  preached  to  a  crowded 
audience,  a  sermon  with  his  usual  freedom,  which  inten- 
sified the  deep  conviction,  and  in  the  service  of  prayer 
that  followed,  a  number  entered  into  the  enjoyment  of  per- 
fect love. 

In  the  evening,  the  spacious  area  of  the  tabernacle  was 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 


229 


filled  to  its  utmost  capacity  —  many  were  compelled  to  go 
away  or  stand  without.  Mr.  Boole  preached  an  excellent 
sermon,  in  his  original  style,  on  faith,  which  gave  great  en- 
couragement to  seekers  of  full  salvation.  There  were  pres- 
ent on  this  occasion  hundreds  of  the  most  desperate  looking 
men  that  ever  gathered  at  a  religious  meeting,  —  miners, 
hunters,  gamblers,  thieves,  murderers,  and  desperadoes  of 
the  worst  sort  in  California.  They  interrupted  the  speaker 
frequently  by  talking,  laughing,  and  by  mocking  responses. 
It  seemed  evident  that  they  had  come  for  a  rougli  time,  and 
were  ready  on  the  slightest  pretext  to  disperse  the  meeting 
and  demolish  the  tabernacle.  It  was  an  hour  of  anxiety  to 
many  —  especially  those  who  had  the  charge  of  the  services, 
and  the  responsibility  of  controlling  such  a  mob.  Such  an 
aggregation  of  human  depravity  was  alarming  to  look  upon. 
It  seemed  that  the  prince  of  darkness  had  marshalled  his 
battalions,  visible  and  invisible,  to  defeat  in  the  outset  the 
solemn  purpose  and  object  of  the  meeting.  But,  if  this  was 
the  design  of  men  and  devils,  they  had  not  properly  esti- 
mated the  character  of  the  parties  they  had  to  deal  with. 
Despite  the  frequent  interruptions,  Mr.  Boole's  sermon  was 
very  effective.  In  the  meantime,  the  conductors  of  the  ser- 
vices were  calm  and  self-possessed;  they  exhibited  not  the 
slightest  signs  of  embarrassment  or  fear.  After  the  sermon, 
Mr.  Inskip  displayed  his  supreme  tact  and  skill  in  managing 
such  an  unwieldly,  godless  crowd.  Without  the  least  ap- 
parent flurry  of  feeling  or  perturbation  of  mind,  but  a  seri- 
ousness and  calm  dignity  at  once  winning  and  over-awing, 
he  explained  the  nature  and  objects  of  the  meeting,  and 
that  it  was  the  desire  of  those  conducting  the  services  to  do 
them  good.  He  appealed  to  their  manliness  and  politeness 
as  Californians  ;  saying,  he  had  no  doubt,  when  they  under- 
stood the  objects  of  the  meeting,  every  one  present  would 
feel  called  upon  to  maintain  order  and  proper  decorum  dur- 


230 


LIFE  OF  JOIIN  S.  INSKIP. 


ing  the  services.  He  told  them  they  had  come  three  thous- 
and miles  to  visit  their  city,  and  to  bring  them  the  glad 
tidings  of  salvation,  which  he  trusted  they  all  would  be 
pleased  to  hear.  These  words  of  wisdom  and  kindness, 
accompanied  by  the  Divine  Spirit,  were  magnetic,  and  sub- 
dued and  disarmed  the  surging  crowd  of  whatever  evil  pur- 
pose they  might  have  entertained.  Then  turning  to  the 
mass  of  church  members,  he  delivered  an  address  that  was 
overwhelming  —  showing  them  their  awful  responsibility 
to  come  out  from  the  world,  and  live  such  lives  of  purity 
that  they  would  be  known  of  all  to  be  true  followers  of 
Christ.  The  wicked  said,  "  We  believe  in  that  kind  of  re- 
ligion." This  exhortation  was  followed  by  an  earnest  sea- 
son of  prayer,  and  the  gathering  of  a  great  company  at  the 
altar,  as  seekers  of  pardon  and  sanctification  —  a  goodly 
number  of  whom  were  saved.  From  this  time  the  moral 
atmosphere  became  so  surcharged  with  the  powers  of  the 
heavenly  world,  that  even  opposers  were  awed  into  respect- 
ful attention,  and  the  influence  of  the  meeting  swept  f#r 
out  into  the  surrounding  country,  and  a  great  awakening 
came  upon  the  people. 

Some  singular  incidents  occurred  as  the  meeting  pro- 
gressed. "  The  Spiritualists "  sought  to  make  common 
cause  with  the  meetiug ;  but  they  were  soon  detected,  and 
Mr.  Inskip  informed  them  that  their,  co-operation  was  not 
agreeable,  whereupon  they  departed  —  one  scraping  his  feet 
upon  the  ground,  another  flirting  his  coat-tail  —  giving  him 
to  understand  that  they  left  him  and  the  meeting  to  tho 
dreadful  consequences  of  rejecting  their  fellowship  and 
aid. 

One  good  result  followed  this  performance :  a  wicked 
man,  standing  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  cursed  thes<! 
Spiritualists  for  disturbing  the  meeting,  when  another  sin- 
ner reproved  him  for  swearing.    Self-convicted,  the  Spirit 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 


231 


said  to  the  reprover.  You  are  not  a  Christian,  why  reprove 
him  ?  He  at  once  said  to  the  Spirit,  "  If  I  am  not,  I  will 
be,"  and  before  that  day  had  wholly  passed,  he  was  a  con- 
verted man. 

The  meeting,  as  might  be  expected,  attracted  all  classes 
of  religionists ;  among  others,  a  class  that  might  be  denom- 
inated "ranters,"  who  make  war  on  churches  and  ministers ; 
but  Mr.  Inskip  kindly  informed  them  that  opposers  of 
churches  were  out  of  place  in  that  meeting,  so  they  also 
subsided.  These  persons  are  a  species  of  religious  guerrillas, 
whose  chief  employment  seems  to  be  to  harass  the  churches, 
and  hinder  the  work  of  the  Gospel. 

It  will  be  seen,  in  view  of  all  these  facts,  that  to  conduct 
a  public  religious  meeting,  and  control  a  vast,  motley 
crowd,  under  such  circumstances,  required  a  leader  of  no 
ordinary  wisdom  and  tact.  Mr.  Inskip  proved  himself  in 
every  respect  a  general,  equal  to  the  responsibility. 

As  before  remarked,  the  church  and  religion  on  the  coast, 
had  failed  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  unconverted.  But 
the  big-tent  meeting,  stirred  the  wicked  of  all  classes,  as 
they  were  never  stirred  before. 

Mock  prayer-meetings  were  instituted  in  gambling  dens 
and  drinking  saloons  in  the  city.  False  fire-alarms  were 
frequently  given  near  the  tabernacle.  Satan  seemed  let 
loose, —  every  method  was  used  to  keep  the  people  from 
the  meetings  All  this,  however,  was  in  answer  to  prayer. 
Christians  had  been  praying  that  by  some  means  the  people 
might  be  aroused,  and  their  attention  called  to  the  subject 
of  salvation.  These  blasphemous  performances  had  the 
effect  to  advertise  the  meetings,  and  the  people  came  by 
thousands  to  the  tabernacle  to  see  and  hear  for  themselves. 

This  was  the  first  great  battle  on  the  Pacific  Coast.  It 
was  clear  to  all,  that  the  Lord  had  girded  Mr.  Inskip  and 
his  associates  with  marvellous  power  for  this  work  of  faith 


232 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


and  love.  It  was  a  salvation  meeting  on  a  grand  scale; 
apostolic  in  teaching,  and  Pentecostal  in  demonstration  of 
the  Spirit.  The  wicked  amused  themselves  and  pleased  the 
devil  by  holding  mock  prayer-meetings  in  bar-rooms  and 
gambling  dens.  But  the  meeting  shook  the  city,  and  its  in- 
fluence swept  over  the  country  for  hundreds  of  miles.  The 
efforts  of  the  ungodly  to  ridicule  the  services,  turned  to 
good  account.  Many  were  induced  to  come  to  the  meetings 
•'to  see  the  show,"  who  on  entering  th«  tabernacle  were 
struck  under  conviction  and  remained  to  pray. 

The  preaching  was  of  the  original  Methodist  type,  direct 
and  powerful,  and  brought  on  a  crisis  in  the  °/ise  of  all  whr 
heard  it.  It  seemed  to  sinners,  and  worldly  (.  'unstians,  thai 
the  day  of  judgment  had  come.  Though  the  pe/ieral  theme 
was  the  inner  and  higher  life,  yet  appeals  w«re  made  t>* 
the  unconverted  that  swept  away  every  false  reiuge,  an>* 
were  overwhelming.  In  some  cases  whole  famlies  wer» 
converted.  One  lady,  living  out  of  the  city,  who  had  beer 
praying  for  her  family,  induced  her  husband  tu»  come  fr> 
the  meeting.  He  had  no  sooner  entered  the  tabermvie  than 
a  great  awakening  came  upon  him,  and  he  was  very  soundly 
converted.  He  was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  power* 
of  mind.  Hearing  the  doctrine  of  full  salvation  p'tvinly 
preached,  he  accepted  it  as  the  very  thing  he  wanted,  an<? 
thus  in  his  Christian  infancy,  passed  into  the  kingdom  ol 
perfect  love.  He  returned  home  to  tell  what  great  thingb 
the  Lord  had  done  for  him.  He  then  sent  his  son  and 
married  daughter  to  the  meeting,  and  they  also  were  con- 
verted ;  and  on  their  return,  he  sent  his  son-in-law,  who 
was  also  saved  by  the  same  Almighty  grace. 

A  gentleman,  a  great  farmer,  having  a  dairy  of  a  hundred 
cows,  a  vast  herd  of  young  cattle  and  horses,  and  a  flock  of 
sixteen  thousand  sheep,  was,  with  his  wife,  most  happily 
converted,  and  joined  one  of  the  churches;  subscribing  at 


EVANGELISTIC  WOBK. 


233 


the  same  time  very  liberally  for  the  building  of  a  uew 
church. 

Through  the  example  and  influence  of  a  Baptist  pastor 
of  the  city,  many  of  his  people  attended  the  meetings  and 
were  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost ;  some  of  whom  were 
more  demonstrative  than  the  Methodists  themselves. 

The  Methodist  minister  of  the  "Church  South,"  and 
many  of  his  people,  entered  earnestly  into  the  services,  and 
were  greatly  blessed.  The  great  spiritual  power  of  thu 
meeting  and  the  sweep  of  its  heart-searching  influence,  may 
be  inferred  from  a,  few  of  many  instances.  At  one  time  a 
lawyer,  a  judge,  a  doctor,  and  one  of  the  chief  gamblers  of 
the  city,  were  all  kneeling  at  the  seekers'  bench  for 
prayers  !  Also  a  number  of  ministers  of  different  denomi- 
nations were  bowing  at  the  same  bench  seeking  clean 
hearts. 

A  distinguished  lawyer  and  judge  rose  up  in  one  of  the 
meetings,  and  said  he  had  held  malice  against  men  whom  he 
never  expected  to  forgive;  but  he  had  come  to  a  better 
mind,  and  he  wanted  to  state,  that  he  then  forgave  them  all. 
Another  gentleman  (a  sheriff),  confessed  that  he  had  for  a 
long  time  past  resolved  to  kill  a  man  who  once  threatened 
his  life,  whenever  he  should  meet  him,  and  carried  a  weapon 
for  that  purpose ;  but  he  freely  forgave  him.  Another  man 
made  a  similar  confession.  A  lady,  a  member  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  was  powerfully  convicted  of  her  need  of 
a  clean  heart.  She  could  make  no  progress,  her  distress  of 
mind  increased,  till  her  difficulty  came  to  light.  She  could 
not  forgive  the  man  who  murdered  her  husband ;  but  the 
Spirit  helped  her  infirmity,  and  she  declared :  "  I  do  forgive 
the  man  who  in  cold  blood  murdered  my  dear  husband." 
In  a  moment  her  happy  soul  entered  the  paradise  of  perfect 
love.  But  there  was  one  case  that  moved  all  hearts.  An 
old  lady  —  a  widow,  not  iess  than  three-score  and  ten,  bent 


234 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


down  as  much  with,  sorrow  as  with  age,  came  with  others 
to  the  seekers'  bench.  For  days  she  wept  anil  prayed  with- 
out relief.  Finally,  Mrs.  Inskip  extracted  from  her  the 
cause  of  her  trouble  and  grief.  She  said:  The  murderer 
of  my  only  son  is  abroad,  walking  the  streets  of  this  city, — 
my  heart  rebels,  —  I  cannot  forgive  him.  When  I  come  to 
Jesus,  the  thought  comes  up,  will  you  forgive?"  Mrs. 
Inskip  directed  her  to  give  the  matter  all  over  to  the 
Saviour,  and  ask  Him  to  help  her.  In  a  few  minutes  she 
clapped  her  bands  in  an  ecstasy  of  joy,  exclaiming,  "  I  can 
forgive  him  —  I  can  —  yes,  I  can  love  him  as  Jesus  forgave 
and  loved  His  enemies."  The  time  seemed  to  have  returned, 
when  Jesus  cast  out  unclean  spirits  and  healed  the  people. 
It  was  worth  a  lifetime  of  waiting  and  praying  to  witness 
such  wonderful  displays  of  glory  and  power. 

A  confirmed  opium-eater,  who  had  spent  his  property,  and 
who  had  become  almost  demented,  looking  more  like  a  poor 
gibbering  idiot  than  like  a  sane  man,  taking  120  grains  of 
opium  per  day,  and  could  not  free  himself  from  the  dreadful 
appetite,  though  he  had  tried  every  means  in  his  power,  and 
at  times  contemplated  suicide  to  escape  from  his  misery, — 
on  hearing  Mr.  Boole  tell  how  an  opium-eater  had  been 
saved  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  in  one  of  his  meetings,  he  took 
courage,  and  came  to  the  altar  for  prayers.  But  it  was 
while  he  was  alone,  down  by  the  Sacramento  River,  in  a 
bunch  of  chaparral,  praying,  Jesus  came  to  the  poor  man 
and  saved  him.  From  his  story,  he  must  have  been  in  an 
unconscious  state  for  some  time.  He  came  into  the  taber- 
nacle about  noon,  and  declared  he  was  saved  from  the  appe- 
tite for  the  drug.  The  doctors  had  said,  if  it  were  taken 
from  him  he  could  not  survive  the  terrible  re-action.  But 
Jesus  has  a  way  of  doing  such  things  without  killing  peo- 
ple. These  ministers  saw  him  several  weeks  afterward,  and 
he  had  experienced  no  unpleasant  effects  from  the  change, 
but  was  rejoicing  in  his  great  deliverance. 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK.  235 

One  evening  a  tall,  athletic  man,  sprang  upon  the  plat- 
form, while  Mr.  Inskip  was  preaching,  and  stepping  before 
him,  began  to  exhort  sinners  to  repent,  saying  he  himself 
was  a  poor  sinni t  and  near  hell.  Suddenly  a  great  power 
came  upon  him,  and  he  fell  down  upon  the  platform,  like 
the  person  in  the  Gospel,  whom  the  unclean  spirit  tore  and 
cast  down  foaming.  The  police  came  to  take  him  away ; 
but  the  ministers  said  they  would  attend  to  his  case.  Mr. 
Osborn  and  some  of  the  others  held  him,  and  a  prayer-meet- 
ing was  instantly  extemporized  on  the  platform,  and  in 
answer  to  prayer  the  devil  was  cast  out  of  the  man,  and  he 
testified  to  the  wondrous  power  of  Christ  to  save  a  wretch 
like  him.  So  the  Lord  wrought  mightily  by  these  means  to 
astonish  the  people  and  to  defeat  the  powers  of  darkness. 

Among  the  ministers  sanctified,  there  were  some  remark- 
able cases. 

But  on  the  morning  of  the  fifth  of  May,  —  the  thirteenth 
day  of  the  meeting,  —  a  bright,  beautiful  morning,  when 
love  beamed  forth  from  the  clear  heavens  and  whispered  in 
the  gentle  breeze,  —  all  seemed  to  feel  that  something  un- 
usual was  impending.  The  history  of  the  National  Camp- 
meetings  has  disclosed  the  remarkable  phenomenon,  that 
one  day,  sometimes  earlier,  sometimes  later,  during  the 
progress  of  the  meeting,  is  signalized  by  a  special  baptism 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  So  on  the  morning  mentioned,  a  kind 
of  spiritual  stillness  came  over  all.  None  could  speak  or 
pray,  except  in  a  soft,  subdued  tone  of  voice,  and  the  sing- 
ing was  like  a  low,  sweet  murmuring  song  of  angels  from 
some  far-off  island  of  the  blest.  The  prevailing  spirit 
was  that  of  expectancy,  or  waiting.  The  powers  of  the 
heavenly  world  seemed  to  settle  down  upon  the  people, 
and  the  ministers  never  seemed  so  inspired  and  filled  with 
love  and  the  Spirit  of  Jesus,  who  seemed  to  be  almost  visi- 
bly present.    Then  came  the  season  of  silent  devotion  and 


236 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  IXUKIP. 


waiting  before  the  Lord.  There  were  some  twenty  preachers, 
either  kneeling,  or  prostrate  on  the  gr  >und.  A  wonderful 
power  came  upon  all.  Many  were  stricken  down  under  the 
mighty  shock.  Many  felt  themselves  beginning  to  go  dovvu 
as  when  metal  begins  to  melt,  and  seemed  forced  to  lie  pros- 
trate upon  the  ground.  There  was  an  indescribable  power 
that  went  surging  through  the  soul,  until  life  seemed  sus- 
pended on  a  single  thread.  It  would  have  been  easy  then 
to  have  taken  another  step  and  passed  over  the  narrow 
stream  that  separated  this  from  the  heavenly  land ;  the 
world  seemed  so  far  away,  one  scarcely  wished  to  return 
again.  Then,  also,  a  strange  thing  occurred  to  some.  It 
was  not  a  light,  nothing  of  a  cloud-form ;  but  as  it  were,  a 
haze  of  golden  glory  encircled  the  heads  of  the  bowed  wor- 
shippers —  a  symbol  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  for  then  that  com- 
pany knew  they  were  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  fire. 
The  preachers  seemed  transfigured.  All  were  melted  into 
tears  and  sobs,  and  murmurs  of  praise  and  glory.  Truly  the 
day  of  Pentecost  had  fully  come,  —  the  scene  of  the  upper 
chamber  was  repeated,  and  all  were  filled  with  the  Spirit. 
In  all  these  services,  Mr.  Inskip  seemed  endowed  with 
superhuman  wisdom  —  his  spirit  was  tender  and  sweet,  as 
a  woman's  love,  and  filled  with  Holy  Ghost. 

One  of  the  most  thrilling  incidents  connected  with  this 
meeting,  was  the  discovery  of  Mrs.  Inskip's  brother  —  Mr. 
Charles  Foster.  He  had  emigrated  from  Maryland  some 
seventeen  years  before,  where  he  had  been  an  efficient  and 
influential  member  of  the  church ;  went  to  California,  be- 
came deeply  engaged  in  business,  held  on  to  his  trust  in 
Christ  for  a  considerable  time ;  but  his  fortune  became 
reversed  ;  then,  like  many  others,  he  sought  to  drown  his 
troubles  and  disappointments  in  that  sea  where  no  calm 
ever  comes.  He  fell  into  such  a  wretched  state  of  mind 
that  he  determined  that  his  wife,  children,  and  friends 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 


237 


whom  he  had  left  behind,  should  never  know  of  his  fate.  He 
consequently  discontinued  any  further  correspondence  with 
them.  After  many  years,  his  friends  hearing  nothing  from 
him,  reckoned  him  among  the  dead.  But  on  going  to  Cali- 
fornia, Mrs.  Inskip  indulged  a  faint  hope  th.it  she  might 
obtain  some  information  respecting  him,  if,  indeed,  lie  were 
dead.  Affection  clings  to  the  slenderest  thread  of  hope. 
How  strange  !  At  Sacramento,  all  unconscious  of  lie  fact, 
she  was  within  five  miles  of  the  little  cabin,  where,  like  a 
hermit,  he  lived  alone.  One  can  scarcely  imagine  the  sur- 
prise of  this  lone  man  when  he  read  in  the  newspapers  that 
Eev.  John  S.  Inskip  and  lady,  his  own  dear  sister  and  her 
husband,  were  coming  to  California  to  hold  a  series  of 
special  meetings,  and  within  five  miles  of  his  lonely  abode. 
He  at  once  made  up  his  mind  to  attend  the  meeting  at 
Sacramento,  and  see  them  ;  but  he  would  not  make  himself 
known.  Accordingly  he  came  on  Sunday  morning,  and  took 
his  seat  where  he  could  see  his  sister.  Mr.  Inskip  preached 
that  morning  a  wonderful  sermon.  The  heart  of  the  listener 
was  greatly  moved.  All  his  previous  life,  like  a  vision, 
passed  before  his  mind,  —  wife  and  children  seemed  calling 
to  him  from  the  dear  home  he  had  left  years  before,  and  the 
sight  of  a  darling  sister  renewed  in  his  soul  (though  ossified 
by  misfortune  and  the  isolation  of  years)  the  tender  yearn- 
ings of  a  naturally  noble  heart  for  the  love  of  by-gone  days 
—  days  that  seemed  to  grow  green  again,  and  freshen  into 
life  once  more.  The  service  closed.  He  lingered  ;  but  still 
resolved  to  remain  unknown  to  them,  and  finally  turned 
away.  But  just  as  he  was  leaving  the  tabernacle,  Mrs. 
Inskip  commenced  to  sing,  "My  all  to  Christ  I've  given," 
etc.  He  halted  to  listen  for  a  moment  longer  to  the  sweet, 
familiar  voice,  that  brought  back  a  thousand  fond  recollec- 
tions of  other  days.  Then  he  said  to  himself,  "  I  must  take 
one  more  look  ;  it  will  be  the  last  time  on  earth  that  I  shall 


238 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


see  her  !  "  He  turned  back,  —  he  looked ;  his  resolution 
broke  down ;  he  could  not  leave.  He  stepped  upon  the 
platform,  extended  his  hand  to  Mr.  Inskip,  saying,  "  Don't 
you  know  me  ?  "  Mr.  Inskip,  observing  him,  replied,  "  I  do 
not."  He  rejoined,  "  Don't  you  know  your  brother-in-law  ?  " 
Mr.  Inskip  exclaimed,  "  Is  it  possible !  Charles,  is  it  you  ?  " 
Then  calling  to  his  wife,  "  Martha,  here  is  a  gentleman  who 
wishes  to  speak  with  you."  As  she  came  upon  the  platform, 
he  said,  "  This  is  the  gentleman  who  wishes  to  see  you, —  do 
you  know  him  ?  "  She  looked,  —  hesitated  a  moment,  and 
then  exclaimed,  "  Why,  it's  my  brother  Charles  /  "  She  flew 
into  his  arms,  and,  embracing  each  other,  they  wept  for  joy. 
Words  are  inadequate  to  portray  the  deeply  affecting  scene. 
He  was  to  her  like  a  brother  raised  from  the  dead.  Many 
wept  with  her,  partaking  of  the  tender  excitement  and  joy 
of  this  unexpected  meeting.  Mr.  Foster  attended  several  of 
the  services,  and  was  happily  reclaimed  and  restored  to  the 
love  and  favor  of  God.  He  returned  home  in  a  few  weeks. 
Many  of  his  old  friends  who  had  reckoned  him  among  the 
dead,  came  to  see  him.  But  the  excitement  was  too  severe 
for  his  nervous  system.  He  lived  but  three  weeks  after  his 
return,  dying  in  the  triumphs  of  faith,  rejoicing  that  he  was 
permitted  to  take  his  flight  to  the  heavenly  mansions  from 
his  old  home. 

The  results  of  the  meeting  were  all  that  could  be  ex- 
pected. It  was  held  especially  in  the  interest  of  holiness, 
and  it  was  estimated  that  at  least  two  hundred  souls  were 
sanctified,  and  more  than  one  hundred  were  happily  con- 
verted, besides  a  great  number  that  were  reclaimed  from  a 
backslidden  state. 

The  meeting  closed  Sunday  evening,  the  sixth  of  May, 
having  been  held  fifteen  days  without  the  slightest  dimuni- 
tion  of  interest.  The  last  day  being  Sunday,  was  a  day  never 
to  be  forgotten.    The  services  commenced  with  a  love-feast 


EVANGELISTIC  WORE. 


239 


of  indescribable  interest  and  power.  Sermons  were  preached 
morning,  afternoon,  and  evening,  and  all  the  discourses 
seemed  inspired  with  clear  power  of  thought  and  utter- 
ance. Mr.  Inskip  preached  the  closing  sermon  in  the  even- 
ing, which  was  especially  affecting  and  impressive.  Those 
fifteen  days  of  fellowship,  and  spiritual  assimilation,  had 
so  entwined  all  hearts  with  mutual  sympathy  and  love,  that 
all  partook  of  the  tearful  sadness,  that  they  should  never 
meet  again  in  that  beautiful  place,  made  memorable  to  so 
many  by  the  wonderful  displays  of  Almighty  grace.  But 
Mr.  Inskip  seemed  looking  far  beyond  the  present  scene, 
which  was  a  type  to  him  of  the  great  and  final  gathering, 
when  the  solemn  and  momentous  transactions  of  those 
fifteen  days  should  be  reviewed,  and  the  final  results 
reckoned  up  and  garnered  for  eternity.  We  may  imper- 
fectly imagine  the  profound  emotion  that  stirred  his  soul, 
as  the  awful  responsibilities  loomed  up  before  his  mind,  — 
Could  more  have  been  done  ?  The  opportunity  was  past, — 
had  anything  been  improperly  done  ?  —  it  was  beyond  re- 
call !  It  is  no  marvel,  under  such  circumstances,  that  his 
address  should  flow  out  to  that  vast  concourse  of  judgment- 
bound  listeners  with  almost  superhuman  solicitude  and 
tenderness,  as  for  the  last  time  he  directed  their  attention  to 
the  fountain  of  cleansing.  After  the  sermon,  a  final  invi- 
tation was  extended  to  all  who  would  seek  the  Lord,  to  come 
lorward  for  the  prayers  of  the  people,  to  which  many  re- 
sponded. The  meeting  was  one  of  great  solemnity  and 
power.    About  half-past  ten  o'clock,  after  the  doxology,  — 

"Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow," 

was  sung  by  four  thousand  voices,  the  final  benediction  was 
pronounced,  and  the  first  tabernacle  meeting  in  California 
was  declared  closed. 
On  Monday  evening,  a  farewell  meeting  was  held  in  the 


240  LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 

Sixth  St.  M.  E.  Church.  Deeply  affecting  addresses  were 
made  by  ministers  and  distinguished  laymen  of  the  city, 
which  were  responded  to  by  Mr.  Inskip,  and  others  of  the 
tabernacle  company.  It  reminded  one  of  the  scene  at 
Miletus,  when  Paul  parted  with  the  elders  of  the  church  of 
Ephesus. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


A  GREAT  VICTORY  AT  SANTA  CLARA. 

On  Tuesday,  the  eighth  of  May,  Mr.  Inskip  and  his  com- 
pany took  the  train  from  Sacramento  for  San  Jose,  distant 
140  miles.  On  arriving  at  San  Jose,  they  took  stages  to 
Santa  Clara,  two  miles  westward,  where  Rev.  Dr.  Wythe, 
pastor  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  had  made  ample  provision  for 
their  entertainment  among  his  people. 

To  those  who  have  never  visited  California,  and  may 
never  enjoy  that  privilege,  a  brief  sketch  of  this  wonderful 
valley  would  be  of  great  interest ;  but,  strong  as  the  tempta- 
tion is  to  linger  amid  these  sublunary  scenes,  so  attractive 
to  the  stranger,  the  chief  object  of  this  narrative  is  the 
marvelous  religious  services  conducted  by  Mr.  Inskip,  and 
the  wonderful  manifestations  of  grace  and  spiritual  power 
in  the  tabernacle  at  Santa  Clara. 

On  account  of  some  delay  in  bringing  up  the  tabernacle, 
and  preparing  the  grounds,  the  meeting  did  not  commence 
until  Friday  evening,  the  eleventh.  The  tabernacle  was 
pitched  on  the  "  Conference  Camp-ground," —  a  plot  of  low 
ground  lying  between  the  two  cities,  in  a  forest,  composed 
of  a  few  straggling  old  willow  trees.  But  in  this  section, 
trees  are  "  like  angels'  visits  "  —  few  and  far  between. 

The  Friday  evening  meeting  was  preliminary,  and  not 
very  largely  attended.  But  on  Saturday,  the  people  began 
to  gather  in  considerable  numbers ;  and  on  Sunday,  the 

241 


242 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


whole  country  seemed  to  be  moving  towards  the  tabernacle, 
—  from  San  Jose,  Santa  Clara,  Lexington,  McCartyville,  New 
Alameda,  and  other  places  near,  and  as  far  as  Gilroy,  —  a 
considerable  number  came ;  also,  from  San  Francisco  and 
Sacramento.  Rev.  Dr.  Sinex,  President  of  the  Methodist 
University  near  by,  was  present ;  the  faculty  and  students 
came  in  full  force,  and  the  great  tent  was  filled  with  a  multi- 
tude, expecting  they  knew  not  what.  Mr.  Inskip  and  his 
co-laborers  from  the  East,  were  the  observed  of  all.  What 
new  and  strange  things  would  they  say  ?  What  odd  and 
queer  methods  would  they  adopt  ?  What  astonishing  per- 
formances would  they  exhibit  ?  What  weird,  supernatural 
enchantment,  would  they  bring  upon  the  people  ?  All  seemed 
disposed  to  brace  themselves  for  a  struggle  against  some 
unearthly  influence  that  might  overwhelm  and  carry  them 
they  knew  not  whither. 

At  first,  the  prospect  of  success  was  quite  unfavorable. 
Here,  as  at  Sacramento,  experimental  religion  was  at  a  low 
ebb,  and  what  was  most  embarrassing,  the  teaching  of  Mr. 
Inskip  and  his  brethren,  on  the  subject  of  holiness,  brought 
them  in  conflict  with  some  of  the  ministers  and  chief  lay- 
men of  the  vicinity.  This,  to  say  the  least,  was  not  a  pleas- 
ant position  for  him  or  his  brethren,  who  had  been  invited 
to  hold  the  meeting  to  promote  that  specific  work.  A  terri- 
ble battle  was  inevitable.  What  could  they  do  ?  They 
could  not  consent  to  furl  their  banners  and  ignominiously 
retreat.  They  had  come  three  thousand  miles  to  hold  this 
meeting  in  the  interest  of  holiness ;  fidelity  to  the  cause 
required  them  to  stand  firm,  at  whatever  cost  or  sacrifice. 
All  who  knew  the  character  of  the  leader  of  the  meeting 
would  expect  nothing  otherwise.  At  this  juncture,  the 
daily  papers  also,  as  if  inspired  by  some  foul,  if  not  fiendish 
spirit,  published  the  most  ridiculous  and  abusive  things 
against  the  meeting.    This,  however,  turned  to  good  account, 


A  GREAT  VICTORY  AT  SANTA  CLARA.  243 


bringing  hundreds  to  the  meeting  who  otherwise  would  not 
have  attended,  —  many  of  whom  were  converted,  and  others 
fully  saved. 

Under  these  painful  circumstances,  Mr.  Inskip  called  a 
council  of  his  co-laborers,  and  the  situation  was  discussed 
on  their  knees,  asking  the  Lord  to  give  them  wisdom  and 
grace  for  their  time  of  extreme  need.  The  result  was,  they 
resolved  to  follow  the  leadings  of  the  Spirit,  whatever 
might  be  the  outcome.  To  use  a  figure  of  speech,  all  the 
batteries  of  the  tabernacle  then  opened  with  renewed  energy 
and  power,  and  "  the  word  of  the  Lord  was  quick  and  pow- 
erful," and  became  "  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents 
of  the  heart."  Some  were  greatly  offended,  others  pro- 
fessed to  be  hurt,  while  another  class  remained  non-committal 
and  neutral,  or  indifferent.  The  moment  was  critical  in  the 
extreme.  But  God  was  at  the  front.  The  president  and 
faculty  of  the  University  wheeled  into  line,  and  took  their 
position  with  the  tabernacle.  These  added  great  strength 
to  the  cause,  and  their  action  had  a  crushing  effect  upon  the 
opposition.  At  this  time,  the  powers  of  the  heavenly  world 
had  come  so  near,  that  an  awful  spiritual  presence,  which 
could  be  felt,  seemed  to  be  closing  the  people  in  on  every 
side ;  and  a  solemn  awe  came  upon  all  hearts,  and  was  * 
depicted  in  every  countenance.  There  was  no  such  thing 
as  resisting  any  further,  without  madly  flying  in  the  face  of 
the  Almighty.  The  result  was  a  general,  unconditional 
surrender;  the  banner  of  holiness  waved  iu  triumph,  and 
the  bugles  of  salvation  sounded  Jehovah's  victory.  All  the 
hosts  of  the  purified  joined  in  ascribing  glory  unto  the 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  with  a  full  round  of  A  mens. 

This  was  a  harder  fight,  and  consequently  a  more  signal 
victory,  than  at  Sacramento.  The  Lord  was  so  manifestly 
in  the  work,  and  so  crowned  the  meetings  with  His  presence 
and  Spirit,  that  the  people  were  brought  back  to  the  realiza- 


244 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP.  V 


turn  that  Christ's  religion  is  an  experimental  verity,  —  that 
holiness  is  the  Christian's  calling  and  privilege,  and  should 
be  the  experience  and  practice  of  all  the  people  of  God. 
It  was  a  struggle  not  merely  "  with  flesh  and  blood,  but  with 
principalities  and  powers  in  high  places."  Satan,  in  his 
opposition,  was  at  his  best.  Any  person  accustomed  to 
analyze  spiritual  influences,  could  not  mistake  his  approach, 
like  a  dark  shadow  projecting  itself  over  one's  spiritual 
consciousness.  Rev.  Mr.  Coleman,  the  senior  member  of 
the  association,  —  sublime  in  faith  and  moral  heroism,  —  a 
veteran  champion  of  the  doctrine  of  Christian  holiness,  — 
was  terribly  buffeted,  and  wrestled  one  whole  night  with  the 
prince  of  darkness.  While  in  this  fearful  conflict,  his 
mind  became  bewildered  and  so  oppressed,  that  he  was 
strongly  tempted  to  believe  that  he  had  lost  all  his  religion, 
if  indeed,  he  ever  possessed  any.  It  seemed  to  be  an  at- 
tack, such  as  Luther  had  while  translating  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  the  castle  of  Wartburg  —  when  the  devil  intruded 
himself,  at  whom  that  heroic  saint  threw  his  inkstand.  Mr. 
Coleman  had  been  so  wrought  upon,  and  the  struggle  had 
been  so  protracted  and  terrible,  that  when  he  came  upon 
the  platform,  his  steps  were  feeble  and  tottering,  and  when 
he  began  the  service,  his  thoughts  were  so  confused  and 
obscured,  he  could  call  nothing  coherently  to  mind ;  he 
seemed  in  total  mental  darkness.  This  state  of  mind  con- 
tinued without  relief  until  he  commenced  to  preach ;  then 
the  light  began  to  dawn,  and  to  illuminate  the  Word.  Then 
also  a  remarkable  phenomenon  occurred,  somewhat  after 
that  recorded  of  St.  Paul,  when  the  Lord  appeared  to  him 
during  the  night  in  the  castle  at  Jerusalem,  saying,  "Paul, 
be  of  good  cheer ;  for  as  thou  hast  testified  of  me  in  Jeru- 
salem, so  must  thou  bear  witness  also  at  Rome."  So  also,  Mr. 
Coleman  said  the  Saviour  appeared  to  him  (soon  after  he 
began  to  preach),  standing  first  in  the  door  of  the  tabernacle, 


A  GEE  AT  VICTORY  AT  SANTA  CLARA.  245 


smiling  and  looking  lovingly  upon  him  ;  then  He  advanced 
a  few  steps  forward  and  sat  down ;  and  he  preached  his 
sermon  thus  in  the  presence  of  Jesus,  who  continued  t< 
look  and  smile  upon  him  until  he  had  finished  his  discourse 
This  was  the  great  sermon  of  the  meeting.  It  was  a  ser- 
mon of  inimitable  beauty,  clearness,  tenderness,  and  power. 
Few  who  listened  to  it  will  ever  forget  its  effects.  The 
blessed  old  man,  towards  the  close,  became  so  filled  with 
the  Spirit,  and  overwhelmed  with  the  glory  and  presence  of 
Christ,  that  his  physical  strength  was  also  overpowered,  and 
he  was  unable  longer  to  stand.  Such  was  the  power  of  the 
spiritual  shock  which  he  received,  that  his  stalwart  frame 
trembled  and  became  as  weak  as  that  of  a  child  for  several 
days  afterwards.  But  this  was  the  hour  of  victory  in  ad- 
vance,—  Christ  had  come!  It  was  a  victory  that  melted 
all  hearts,  however  hard  ;  dissolved  all  doubts,  and  scattered 
fear  away.  It  seemed  to  make  it  a  joy  to  submit,  and  give 
one's  self  to  Christ,  to  be  wholly  and  fully  His  ;  to  bear 
reproach,  and  if  need  be,  to  suffer  for  His  name.  It  was  a 
marvellous  baptism  of  the  spirit  of  faith  and  love ! 

There  seemed  to  have  been  such  a  state  of  religious  for- 
mality in  Santa  Clara,  as  in  many  other  places,  that  the 
idea  of  the  supernatural  and  spiritual  was  extensively  ig- 
nored, or  substituted  by  the  proprieties  of  the  ruling 
classes.  In  view  of  these  facts,  and  that  the  teachings  of 
Mr.  Inskip  and  his  associates  were  so  far  above  the  level  of 
the  religious  standards  of  that  community,  and  their  devo- 
tional exercises  conforming  to  a  high  degree  of  spiritual 
life  and  joy,  they  no  doubt  seemed  to  the  people  at  first 
like  a  company  of  fanatics.  Here  was  a  dilemma,  originat- 
ing in  facts  and  circumstances,  that  nothing  but  counter- 
facts  and  circumstances  could  relieve  and  overcome.  Mr. 
Inskip  saw,  and  felt  most  deeply,  that  notiiing  effectual 
could  be  accomplished  by  human  might  and  power  —  that 


246 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


if  anything  was  done  to  tide  the  meeting  over  into  the  open 
sea  of  success,  the  Lord  must  do  it.  He  therefore  called 
the  ministers  associated  with  him  apart  into  a  private  place 
for  prayer  and  counsel.  There,  upon  their  knees,  they  sol- 
emnly agreed  to  accept  anything  the  Lord  might  appoint  or 
do,  however  crossing  or  humiliating  it  might  be.  None 
were  able  even  to  anticipate  what  might  transpire,  but  all 
felt  that  some  great  event  was  at  the  door,  and  thus  it  was. 

Only  a  few  hours  afterwards,  a  very  strange  thing  oc- 
curred, which,  to  a  godless  world  and  to  formal  professors 
of  religion,  might  seem  ludicrous,  if  not  shocking.  There 
was  in  attendance  a  gentleman  about  thirty  years  of  age, 
who  had  made  his  fortune  in  California,  —  a  student  iu  the 
University  at  the  time,  of  high  respectability,  an  exemplary 
member  of  the  church,  extensively  known  in  the  community, 
in  whom  all  classes  had  the  fullest  confidence,  —  aiding  less 
fortunate  young  men  to  defray  their  expenses  in  college. 
This  young  man  became  deeply  convinced  of  his  need  of 
a  clean  heart,  and  began  to  seek  for  it  iu  great  earnest. 
Towards  the  close  of  one  of  the  services,  a  great  power  came 
upon  him,  and  he  began  to  be  excited  and  agitated  in  a 
singular  and  violent  manner,  and  fell  down  backwards  upon 
the  ground.  He  did  not  lose  his  strength,  as  Dr.  Fisk  did, 
and  as  others  have  done,  and  lie  hours  apparently  insensible; 
but  he  performed  all  manner  of  gymnastics.  Nobody  could 
hold  him ;  he  went  wallowing  under  and  over  the  beuches 
in  all  manner  of  ways,  exciting  no  little  fear  that  he  might 
break  his  neck  or  limbs.  In  the  eyes  of  the  world  this  was 
the  climax  of  all  that  was  ridiculous  j  and  the  me etiug 
seemed  to  be  ending  in  wild-fire,  —  throwing  people  into  fits, 
or  setting  them  crazy.  None  who  observed  it  will  forg.  t 
the  anxiety  and  bewilderment  expressed  in  the  countenance  I 
■>f  Mr.  Inskip.  He  seemed  to  be  saying  within  himself, 
What  are  we  coming  to  ?  "    And  humanly  speaking,  such 


A  GREAT  VICTORY  AT  SANTA  CLARA. 


247 


was  the  state  of  things  for  the  moment,  all  might  have 
said,  "  We  are  done  for  now,  sure ;  it  is  no  use,  let  us  sing 
the  doxology  and  quit ! "  But  they  had  agreed  that  the 
Lord  should  work  in  His  own  way,  —  set  at  nought  all  their 
conventionalities,  upheave  and  break  down  the  proprieties 
and  conceit  of  the  people,  mortify  their  pride,  and  crucify 
anything  of  self  remaining  in  themselves.  Just  this  had 
come  to  pass.  This  singular  struggle  continued  with  the 
young  man  for  some  time,  when  he  became  comparatively 
calm.  Then  he  spoke  to  the  people,  some  of  whom  appeared 
to  be  frightened;  saying  he  was  not  beside  himself,  nor 
mad,  but  was  in  his  right  mind,  and  understood  perfectly  all 
that  was  transpiring.  His  countenance  became  illuminated, 
a  seraphic  glow  of  heavenly  light  sat  upon  his  brow,  and  he 
testified  in  the  clearest,  strongest  terms,  that  the  blood  of 
Christ  cleansed  him  from  all  sin,  and  that  he  was  filled  with 
the  Spirit.  The  news  of  this  event  spread  quickly  through 
all  the  community,  producing  a  profound  sensation  among 
the  faculty  and  students  of  the  University.  From  this  point 
in  the  history  of  the  meeting,  the  work  became  overwhelm- 
ing, and  swept  all  before  it ;  ministers  from  surrounding 
circuits  and  stations,  wealthy  farmers  and  business  men, 
consecrated  themselves  and  all  they  possessed  to  Christ,  and 
were  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 

In  contemplating  the  trying  circumstances  and  discourage- 
ments of  those  eventful  days  of  spiritual  conflict,  one  can 
see  very  plainly  that  it  required  a  leader  of  great  judgment 
and  wisdom,  —  tender  in  sympathy,  sweet  in  spirit,  yet 
possessing  the  firmness  of  a  rock,  —  a  man  of  sublime  equi- 
poise and  balance  of  mind.  Such  was  Mr.  Inskip  on  this 
occasion.  He  seemed  girded  with  superhuman  endowments, 
and  with  a  naturally  indomitable  will  and  steadfast  faith, 
he  directed  the  services  with  the  most  masterly  tact  and 
skill,  when  a  single  blunder  would  have  proved  fatal,  — 


248 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IN  SKIP. 


turning  apparent  defeat  into  the  most  signal  and  glorious 
victory. 

After  the  tabernacle  meeting  closed,  Dr.  Wythe,  of  Santa 
Clara,  and  Rev.  Mr.  McClay,  of  San  Jose,  took  up  the  theme 
in  their  respective  churches,  and  the  work  swept  on  gloriously 
for  weeks ;  and  the  same  results  followed,  to  a  considerable 
extent,  in  other  places. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  give  the  exact  numbers  con- 
verted and  sanctified  at  this  meeting;  but  it  was  demon- 
strated in  this  well  as  in  others,  that  the  conversion 
of  sinners  is  coincident  with  the  sanctification  of  believers. 
It  was  estimated  that  not  less  than  two  hundred  professed 
to  be  converted,  or  reclaimed  from  a  backslidden  state  ;  and 
a  large  number  also  professed  to  be  fully  saved.  Every 
minister  —  almost  without  exception  —  who  attended  the 
meeting,  entered  into  the  enjoyment  of  perfect  love,  and  all 
the  churches  of  that  wonderful  valley,  both  English  and 
German,  were  stirred  as  never  before,  and  were  baptized 
with  the  spirit  of  power  and  love.  The  Roman  Catholic 
priests  from  the  monastery  attended  in  considerable  num- 
bers, and  appeared  very  respectful.  Among  the  many  cases 
of  interest  that  might  be  mentioned,  there  was  one  of  a 
gentleman  connected  with  the  press  in  San  Francisco,  who 
had  come  down  to  report  the  meeting.  He  was  a  professed 
skeptic,  and  like  his  class,  he  was  very  inquisitive,  as  it  may 
be  with  reporters  and  reviewers  generally.  He  seemed  to 
be  on  a  huut  for  something  comical  or  ludicrous,  to  report 
for  the  press.  He  observed  Mr.  Inskip  and  his  associates 
going  daily,  at  a  certain  hour,  into  a  little  board  tent,  what 
most  people  would  call  a  "  shanty,"  on  the  outskirts  of  the 
grounds.  His  curiosity  was  excited.  He  must  look  into 
that  matter.  He  was  on  the  right  track  now  for  something 
that  would  open  people's  eyes.  It  might  be  they  went  there 
to  smoke,  or  to  take  private  drinks,  as  they  might  feel  they 


A  GREAT  VICTORY  AT  SANTA  CLARA. 


249 


needed  some  stimulants  for  the  exhausting  labors  of  the 
meeting ;  or  at  least,  to  take  a  nap.  Keeping  his  purpose 
to  himself,  he  went  a  long  way  around,  and  came  up  in  the 
rear  of  the  shanty,  and  with  great  expectancy,  he  peeped 
through  a  crevice.  But  what  was  his  surprise  when  he  saw 
Mr.  Inskip  and  his  co-laborers  on  their  knees,  or  prostrate 
on  the  ground,  pleading,  with  tears  and  strong  supplications, 
for  the  salvation  of  the  people !  As  might  be  expected, 
coming  into  such  an  atmosphere  and  circle  of  spiritual  in- 
fluence, a  strange  power  came  upon  him,  nearly  causing  him 
to  faint.  He  was  struck  under  deep  conviction ;  a  flash  of 
the  Spirit's  all-revealing  light  laid  bare  the  corruption  of 
his  soul ;  his  skepticism  vanished  away,  and  he  saw  himself 
a  poor  sinner,  hurrying  on  to  death  and  judgment  without 
hope.  Skepticism  weighs  but  little  when  the  light  of  eter- 
nity streams  in  upon  the  soul,  and  the  conscience  forebodes 
coming  doom,  when  a  righteous  God  shall  inflict  the  awful 
penalty  of  sin  upon  the  unrepentant  sinner.  This  man  was 
educated,  proud,  and  self-opinionated ;  but  he  became  deeply 
penitent,  and  humble  as  a  little  child,  and  bowed  down  at 
the  seekers'  bench  with  the  most  lowly.  After  several  days 
and  nights  of  fasting,  prayer,  and  earnest  seeking,  he  entered 
into  rest,  enjoying  the  sweet  assurance  of  acceptance  with 
God  through  faith  in  Christ. 

If  space  would  permit,  it  would  be  a  joy  to  narrate  many 
other  cases  of  great  interest.  But  it  can  only  be  added, 
that  God  wrought  on  a  magnificent  scale.  Pentecost  was 
again  repeated,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  like  an  incoming  tide, 
swept  great  numbers  into  the  kingdom,  baptizing  the 
churches  with  fire,  and  all  were  ready  to  declare  they  never 
had  seen  such  rays  of  salvation  and  power  before.  The 
meeting  was  of  great  benefit  to  the  University,  both  to  the 
faculty  and  the  students,  the  most  of  whom  were  happily 
converted. 


250 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


It  may  be  of  interest  to  give  an  extract  from  the  pen  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Benson,  editor  of  the  California  Christian  Advo- 
cate.   He  says :  — 

"  It  was  our  privilege  to  be  present  at  most  of  the  tabernacle  ser- 
vices. The  meetings  were  well  attended,  and  signally  successful. 
We  never  witnessed  so  deep  an  impression  on  any  similar  occasion  in 
this  country.  Rev.  J.  S.  Inskip  and  his  co-laborers  are  men  of  talent, 
zeal,  and  unblemished  reputation.  We  have  known  them  for  years. 
Their  praise  is  in  all  the  churches,  i;ast  and  West.  In  their  methods 
of  conducting  religious  services,  and  in  preaching  the  truth,  they  re- 
mind us  of  the  fathers  who  planted  the  churches  in  the  frontier  set- 
lements  of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  twenty-five  and  thirty  years  ago. 
In  preaching  the  Word,  they  use  great  plainness  of  speech  ;  and 
their  appeals  are  direct  and  searching  ;  and  it  is  not  marvellous  that 
sinners  quail,  and  that  Satan  is  grievously  offended.  The  kingdom 
of  darkness  is  in  peril  ;  and  '  rude  men  of  the  baser  sort '  go  away  to 
cavil  and  to  misrepresent  the  ministers,  whom  they  hold  responsible 
for  '  turning  the  world  upside  down.'  " 

The  subjoined  paper  was  read  on  the  Sabbath,  the  last 
day  of  the  meeting,  before  a  vast  assembly,  who  heartily 
endorsed  it,  and  it  was  also  published  in  the  daily  papers  :  — 

"The  undersigned,  ministers  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  in  attendance 

at  the  tabernacle  services  at  the  camp-ground  of  the  California  Con- 
ference, May  21,  1ST1,  take  this  method  of  expressing  their  thanks- 
giving to  God,  and  their  appreciation  of  the  labors  of  the  National 
Committee  for  the  Promotion  of  Christian  Holiness,  consisting  of 
llev.  Messrs.  Inskip  (president),  McDonald,  Boole,  Coleman,  Osborn, 
and  Searles.    It  is  therefore 

"Resolved,  That  we  have  rejoiced  in  the  wonderful  outpouring  of 
the  lloly  Spirit,  witnessed  in  connection  with  the  labors  of  our  East- 
ern brethren  at  this  place  ;  and  that  we  recognize  in  them  the  unction 
which  rested  on  our  fathers,  and  acknowledge  the  seal  of  Divine  ap- 
proval on  their  ministry. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  pledge  our  united  prayers  and  labors  for  the 
continuance  of  the  spiritual  revival  beguu  under  such  favorable 
auspices. 


A  GREAT  VICTORY  AT  SANTA  CLARA. 


251 


"Resolved,  That  our  prayers  and  cordial  sympathies  will  accom- 
pany our  brethren  in  their  subsequent  efforts,  particularly  on  the 
Pacific  Coast,  and  in  Utah. 

"  J.  W.  Ross,  Presiding  Elder,  San  Francisco  District 
W.  J.  McClay,  Pastor,  San  Jose. 
J.  H.  Wythe,  Pastor,  Santa  Clara. 

D.  A.  Dryden,  Pastor,  G-ilroy. 

C.  H.  Afflerbach,  Pastor  of  German  Church,  San  Jose. 

H.  B.  Bkueck,  Pastor  of  German  Church,  San  Francisco. 

A.  Copeland,  Pastor,  Monterey. 

C.  A.  Hektel,  Pastor,  Antioch. 

C.  G.  Belknap,  Pastor,  Dixon. 

J.  Daniel,  Superannuated  Minister. 

T.  H.  Sinex,  President  University  of  Pacific. 

H.  C.  Benson,  Editor  California  Christian  Advocate. 

A.  J.  Nelson,  Professor  University  of  Pacific. 

A.  K.  Crawford,  Professor  University  of  Pacific. 

E.  A.  Hazen,  Presiding  Elder,  Marysville  District." 

The  people  in  the  Santa  Clara  Valley,  as  in  all  other 
places  on  the  coast,  were  kind,  warm-hearted,  and  generous. 

The  meeting  closed  on  Sunday  night,  the  twenty-first  of 
May.  This  last  day  was  the  great  day  of  the  feast.  There 
was  a  vast  concourse  of  people  from  all  parts  of  the  coun- 
try, from  fifty  to  a  hundred  miles  around,  and  hundreds 
became  deeply  awakened,  many  of  whom  professed  to  be 
converted,  or  sanctified.  The  conflict  was  painful  at  first, 
but  the  cloud  of  battle  lifted  and  passed  away,  and  the 
sweet  sunshine  of  love  and  joy  poured  itself  into  thousands 
of  souls,  who  looked  forward  to  the  great  final  gathering, 
when  the  purified  shall  join  in  the  rapturous  song  that  shall 
echo  through  the  regions  of  bliss.  "  Unto  Him  that  loved 
us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  His  own  blood,  and  hath 
made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God  and  the  Lamb  forever ; 
unto  Him  be  glory,  and  dominion,  and  thanksgiving,  forever 
and  ever ! " 

The  parting  scene  was  deeply  affecting,  —  there  were 


252 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


tears  and  farewells  that  showed  the  depth  of  love  that  had 
been  shed  abroad  in  many  hearts.  The  doxology  was  thrice 
repeated,  when  Mr.  Inskip  pronounced  the  solemn  benedic- 
tion, and  declared  the  tabernacle  meeting  at  Santa  Clara 
closed. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


TABERNACLE  MEETINGS  IN  SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE 

CITY. 

Wednesday  morning,  May  25,  after  taking  leave  of  the 
friends  at  Santa  Clara,  Mr.  Inskip  and  the  brethren  from 
the  East,  took  the  train  for  San  Francisco,  fifty  miles  to  the 
north.  It  was  not  intended  at  first  to  hold  a  tabernacle 
meeting  in  San  Francisco.  But  the  ministers,  especially 
Dr.  Cox,  and  the  leading  laymen,  urged  the  importance  of 
holding  the  meeting,  assuring  them  it  would  be  a  sad  mis- 
take to  return  East  without  unfurling  the  banner  of  full 
salvation  in  the  metropolitan  city  of  the  coast.  So  after 
much  prayer,  and  a  full  discussion  of  the  matter,  it  was 
decided  to  hold  the  meeting.  The  brethren  of  San  Fran- 
cisco obtained  a  lease  of  grounds,  centrally  located,  on  which 
to  pitch  the  big  tent.  No  labor  or  expense  were  spared  to 
furnish  every  convenience  and  comfort  for  the  meeting. 

The  first  service  was  held  on  Thursday  evening,  May  26. 
Mr.  Inskip  preached  the  introductory  sermon,  setting  forth 
the  objects  of  the  meeting  to  be  —  the  promotion  of  the 
higher  Christian  life  and  experience  in  the  churches,  and 
the  conversion  of  sinners,  as  taught  and  set  forth  in  the 
Scriptures.  The  congregation  was  large  and  attentive,  and 
at  the  close  of  the  sermon,  not  a  few  came  forward  to  the 
altar  as  seekers  of  heart  purity.  But  the  spirit  of  the  meet- 
ing was  of  a  type  far  below  the  ordinary  National  Meetings, 

263 


254 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


in  its  beginning.  Mr.  Inskip  was  informed  before  he  came 
to  the  city,  that  he  and  those  with  him,  would  find  San 
Francisco  the  hardest  field  they  had  ever  undertaken  to 
cultivate  ;  and  the  hardest  spot  in  California.  It  was  said 
that  no  religious  effort  in  that  city  had  been  successful 
o  any  considerable  extent  —  the  masses  had  never  been 
reached. 

San  Francisco  had  been,  and  was,  the  scene  of  a  variety 
of  sensations.  John  B.  Gough,  was  giving  a  course  of 
lectures  on  popular  subjects ;  Mrs.  Fair's  trial  for  murder, 
was  in  progress,  aud  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
was  holding  a  festival  at  the  public  hall.  As  an  exponent 
of  the  religious  sentiment  of  the  institution,  it  may  be  a 
curiosity  to  the  reader  to  look  over  the  programme  of  the 
entertainment  for  the  same  evening  on  which  Mr.  Inskip 
commenced  his  meeting  in  the  tabernacle.  The  programme 
published  and  placarded,  was  as  follows  :  — 

THURSDAY  EVENING. 

BY  PKOF.  A.  HAVELL. 

1.  Olio  of  Oddities,  Masks  and  Faces  ;  consisting  of  Songs, 

Scenes,  Anecdotes,  Sketches  of  Character,  and  Eccentricities. 

2.  Sib  John  Pimtleton,  A  Gentleman  whose  risibility  is  irrepres- 

sible :  Ah,  ah,  ah  I  with  Song,  "  Speak,  Love,  I  implore 
Thee." 

3.  Giles  Crossgbain,  Esq.,  and  his  man-servant  Nat,  commonly 

called  Grumbling  Nat,  with  Song. 

4.  PBKEBT  Pop,  A  Red-headed  Sarvint-Gal,  a  Complaining,  Hill- 

treated,  Hover-worked,  Hindustrious  Lump  of  'Umauity,  with 
Song;  "  Oh  !  and  lie  loves  Me  dearly." 

5.  Mr.  Timothy  Suallowbrain,  A  Bashful,  Nervous,  Amorous 

Young  Man.  A  Fidgety,  Festinate  Way  of  Popping  the  Ques- 
tion. 

6  Mistress  MacPherson,  An  Old  Scotch  Lady,  rather  fond  of 
dress.  Reminiscences  of  "  Auld  Lang  Syne."  A  long  story  all 
about  her  fiue  dear  auld  mon,  that's  deed  au'  gane.  The  Den- 
tist and  Grenadier's  Tooth. 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY. 


255 


The  above  is  a  true  copy  of  the  programme.  Is  it  any 
marvel  that  the  public  prints  of  a  city  of  such  religious 
sentiments,  should  criticise  the  holding  of  a  meeting  for 
the  promotion  of  Christian  holiness,  as  a  "  bold  and  daring 
move  "  ?  But  we  are  happy  to  say,  there  was  a  noble,  God. 
fearing  class,  who  deprecated  this  state  of  things,  and  longed 
and  prayed  for  a  general  reformation. 

On  the  second  evening  of  the  meeting,  the  tabernacle  was 
crowded  to  its  utmost  capacity.  There  came  among  the 
worshippers  a  class,  if  not  as  rough  as  at  Sacramento,  yet 
quite  as  irreverent  and  godless.  They  talked,  laughed,  and. 
shouted  derisively,"  Glory  to  God ! "  and  "  Amen  !  "  A  man 
of  less  nervous  muscle  than  William  B.  Osborn,  would  have 
been  entirely  disconcerted  and  thrown  off  his  balance ;  but 
he  held  bravely  on  his  course,  and  finished  his  sermon,  which 
told  with  great  effect  upon  the  more  thoughtful.  After  the 
sermon,  Mr.  Inskip  addressed  the  disturbers  very  kindly, 
but  to  no  effect.  He  then,  with  his  usual  masterly  tact, 
appealed  to  the  citizens,  to  know  if  there  was  any  law  in 
California  to  protect  Christian  assemblies  in  the  privileges 
of  religious  worship.  Many  voices  immediately  responded, 
"  Yes ! "  He  then  asked  how  many  in  that  audience  would 
volunteer  to  put  down  rowdyism  and  maintain  order.  In  a 
moment,  not  less  than  three  hundred  men  sprang  to  their 
feet.  This  was  a  masterly  stoke ;  for  many  of  the  gentle- 
men who  arose  were  prominent  citizens  of  great  influence, 
and  persons  not  to  be  trifled  with.  Dr.  Cox  followed  with  a 
stinging  rebuke,  and  pledged  on  behalf  of  the  citizens  that 
perfect  order  should  be  maintained  if  it  required  a  thousand 
law-abiding  citizens  to  act  as  police.  Fifty  stalwart  men 
stood  up  and  offered  themselvTes  to  serve  in  that  capacity. 
Rowdyism  was  squelched  on  the  spot,  and  the  leading 
offenders  skulked  out  like  whipped  curs,  and  from  that  time 
to  the  end  of  the  meeting,  there  was  the  most  perfect  order. 


256 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


And  when  the  proprietors  of  the  public  press,  who  had 
attempted  to  ridicule  the  object  of  the  meeting,  learned  that 
many  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  and  families  of  the 
city  and  country,  approved  and  sustained  the  meeting,  they 
also  very  meekly  subsided  into  a  peaceful  and  patronizing 
attitude.  But  their  previous  criticisms  helped  the  meeting, 
by  giving  it  greater  notoriety.  Mr.  Inskip  frequently  said, 
if  there  was  no  opposition  from  the  devil,  and  cold  and  for- 
mal professors,  he  should  consider  it  a  clear  evidence  that 
the  doctrine  and  experience  of  holiness  had  been  compro- 
mised, and  the  meeting  was  not  fully  on  the  line  of  entire 
sanctification.  In  this  case,  as  in  many  others,  it  was 
clearly  manifest  that  nothing  but  the  plainest  dealing,  and 
the  most  heart-searching  preaching,  would  reach  the  case. 
But  the  truth  thus  pressed  home  upon  the  heart  and  con- 
science, was  exceedingly  offensive  to  many  ministers,  as  well 
as  to  members  of  the  churches. 

For  some  time  the  issue  seemed  doubtful ;  but  the  terrible 
pounding  went  on  ;  the  battle  grew  hotter  and  hotter  I  At 
this  juncture  some  of  the  leading  laymen  came  out  and  said 
publicly,  "  Go  on,  brethren :  your  course  is  right,  and  the 
only  one  that  can  save  the  church,  and  bring  sinners  to 
Christ  in  San  Francisco."  All  the  Methodist  churches  in 
the  city  participated  in  the  meeting,  and  not  a  few  from 
other  denominations  became  deeply  interested  in  the  work 
of  holiness.  A  large  company  came  up  from  Santa  Clara, 
also  from  other  towns  near  and  far  away.  The  meeting 
was  distinguished  especially  for  the  large  number  of  minis- 
ters attending  from  all  parts  of  the  country,  as  well  as  the 
city.  The  meeting,  at  first,  was  a  great  novelty  to  many. 
A  meeting  for  the  promotion  of  holiness  was  not  only  the 
newest,  but  the  strangest  thing  under  the  sun  in  San 
Francisco. 

California,  no  doubt,  suffered  in  common  with  other  por- 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY.  257 


tions  of  the  country  from  the  demoralizing  influence  of  our 
fratricidal  war,  and  the  bitter  animosities  it  engendered ; 
but  California  has  been  more  largely  affected  by  the  spirit 
of  adventure  and  speculation,  and  an  intense  desire  for 
wealth,  than  any  other  section  of  the  whole  country.  But 
in  San  Francisco,  especially,  —  the  great  New  York  of  the 
Pacific,  —  the  desolating  tide  of  worldliness  had  paralyzed 
the  spiritual  life  of  the  churches  to  an  alarming  extent. 
There  were  praiseworthy  exceptions,  both  among  the  clergy 
and  laity ;  but  the  great  majority  of  professing  Christians 
seemed  satisfied  with  as  little  religion  as  would  afford  them 
a  hope  of  the  future,  and  give  them  a  respectable  standing 
in  the  churches. 

The  preachers,  on  this  occasion,  made  no  attempt  at 
oratory,  or  display  of  sermonizing  ability.  The  preaching 
consisted  mainly  in  the  simple,  earnest  statement  of  the 
Scripture  doctrine  and  experience  of  Christian  holiness,  as 
taught  by  the  standard  authors  of  the  Methodist  church, 
and  as  illustrated  in  the  lives  and  labors  of  the  best  men 
and  women,  living  and  dead,  who  have  been  God's  great 
harvesters  during  the  past  century.  God  owned  this  man- 
ner of  preaching ;  the  Holy  Spirit  accompanied  the  word. 
Professors  of  religion  began  to  see  that  their  mode  of  living 
had  furnished  no  aid  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  brought  no 
real  spiritual  enjoyment  to  their  souls ;  but,  instead,  there 
was  a  conscious  lack,  —  an  aching  void  in  their  experience. 
When,  therefore,  the  great  and  glorious  doctrine  and  experi- 
ence of  full  salvation  was  presented  with  unctuous  power 
and  attractiveness,  from  hearts  all  aglow  with  the  Spirit 
and  love  of  Jesus,  those  sad  hearts  saw  their  remedy,  and 
responded;  and  hundreds  of  earnest  prayers  leaped  up  from 
as  many  anxious  souls,  —  "Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  0 
God,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me." 

Eev.  Mr.  Bentley,  of  one  of  the  city  churches,  with  others, 


258 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


became  deeply  interested,  and  sought  the  blessing  with  great 
earnestness.  He  confessed  publicly  his  conscious  lack  of 
spiritual  power,  and  his  dissatisfaction  with  his  religious 
experience.  He  declared  his  intention  to  seek  heart  purity 
at  whatever  cost  or  sacrifice.  After  several  days  of  humilia- 
tion and  prayer,  both  he  and  his  wife  came  into  the  full, 
clear  light,  of  entire  sanctification ;  his  face  shining  with 
an  unearthly  radiance,  evidencing  in  a  visible  manner  the 
inward  presence  of  the  kingdom  of  perfect  love.  He  then 
declared  in  the  great  congregation,  that  the  blood  of  Christ 
cleaused  him  from  all  sin,  and  that  he  was  fully  saved. 
From  this  event,  the  work  swept  on  with  great  power.  Dr. 
Benson,  editor  of  the  California  Christian  Advocate,  renewed 
his  consecration,  and  testified  to  the  power  of  Jesus'  blood 
to  cleanse  from  all  sin.  Dr.  Thomas,  agent  of  the  Metho- 
dist Book  Concern  in  San  Francisco  (who  since,  with  Gen. 
Canby,  was  murdered  by  the  Modoc  Indians),  also  began  to 
seek  after  heart-purity.  Dr.  Thomas  had  formerly  enjoyed 
and  advocated  this  great  salvation,  but  through  opposition 
and  want  of  sympathy  and  co-operation  on  the  part  of  his 
brethren,  he  ceased  to  testify  of  the  grace,  and  consequently 
lost  the  faith  and  witness  of  the  work.  But  knowing  the 
blessedness  of  the  experience,  and  having  the  subject  opened 
afresh  to  his  mind,  his  soul  was  roused  and  thrilled  with 
the  blessed  possibility  of  again  enjoying  the  perfect  rest  of 
soul,  and  sabbath  of  love.  He  therefore  gladly  embraced 
the  auspicious  opportunity  to  regain  his  lost  treasure.  But 
strange  as  it  may  seem,  he  did  not  regain  it  without  a  severe 
struggle  for  several  days  and  nights.  He  already  believed 
the  doctrine,  and  knew  the  experience,  and  he  desired  it 
more  than  anything  on  earth  ;  what,  therefore,  could  cause 
this  great  struggle  of  soul?  Simply — unbelief;  lack  of 
trust  in  the  promise  of  God's  word.  After  several  days, 
towards  the  close  of  one  of  the  services  in  the  tabernacle, 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY.  259 


while  one  was  praying,  and  repeating  several  times  Mr. 
Wesley's  expression  of  sanctifying  faith  —  "He  doth  it!" 
he  also  exclaimed,  "He  doth  it!"  11  He  doth  it!"  and  rose 
from  his  knees  on  the  platform  and  walked  ahout  clapping 
his  hands  with  great  joy  and  triumph,  shouting,  "He  doth 
it!"  "He  doth  it!"  He  was  wonderfully  and  powerfully 
restored  and  filled  with  the  Spirit.  The  following  spring  the 
writer  met  him  at  the  General  Conference  in  Brooklyn,  N. 
Y.,  and  his  joyful  salutation  was  —  "He  doth  it!"  Dr. 
Thomas  was  a  noble,  generous  man,  a  devoted  and  able  minis- 
ter of  Christ.  He  was  shot  to  death  by  the  Indians,  while, 
by  the  appointment  of  the  government,  he  was  endeavoring 
to  make  peace  with  them. 

It  is  a  notable  fact,  that  at  the  same  moment  Dr.  Thomas' 
faith  touched  the  blood,  ten  or  twelve  others  came  into  the 
clear  light  of  full  salvation,  —  some  of  whom  were  wealthy 
farmers  from  Santa  Clara.  It  was  a  scene  of  marvellous 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  multitude  partook  of 
the  common  joy.  Dr.  Cox,  pastor  of  the  Powell  St.  M.  E. 
Church  —  one  of  God's  noble  men  and  ministers, —  was  the 
chief  instrument  in  securing  the  holding  of  this  meeting, 
and  was  exceedingly  interested  in  the  cause  of  holiness, 
that  it  should  succeed  in  San  Francisco.  But  he  seemed  to 
have  the  impression  that  this  work  was  to  be  carried  on  and 
conducted  in  the  same  manner  as  ordinary  protracted  meet- 
ings. But  the  Dr.  finally  found  himself  in  a  singular 
dilemma.  To  be  consistent,  he  must  come  out  and  say  he 
was  sanctified,  or  confess  he  was  not ;  and  then  not  to  stand 
in  the  way  of  others,  he  must  go  down  as  a  seeker,  and  set 
in  this  respect  a  proper  example  to  his  people,  who  were 
already  deeply  interested.  It  was,  indeed,  a  "  severe  crisis," 
and  the  Dr.  evidently  felt  it  to  be  so.  For  several  days  he 
tried  to  appear  all  right.  But  his  eloquent  words  and 
prayers  were  largely  void  of  the  Spirit.    Mr.  Inskip  felt 


260 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


that  lie  was  really  standing  in  the  way  of  the  work.  What 
could  be  done  ?  The  Dr.  must,  by  some  means,  be  brought 
out  to  publicly  define  his  position.  He  appeared  to  think 
he  was  not  quite  good  enough  to  make  a  profession  of  entire 
sanctification,  and  was  rather  too  good  to  go  down  as  a 
seeker.  But  the  real  fact  evidently  was,  like  many  others, 
his  heart  was  too  proud  to  get  down  to  the  position  of  con- 
fessing his  real  need,  and  thus  put  himself  on  the  list  of 
seekers.  But  Mr.  Inskip,  led  by  the  Spirit,  was  equal  to 
the  emergency.  To  some  it  might  seem  uncourteous,  if  not 
unkind ;  but  love  to  the  Dr.,  and  the  cause,  demanded  means 
suited  to  the  case.  If  he  was  deceiving  himself,  he  must 
be  convicted  of  the  fact ;  if  he  was  all  right,  he  must  be 
brought  to  an  open  profession.  On  a  favorable  occasion, 
Mr.  Inskip  very  kindly  told  him  publicly,  that  he  could  not 
occupy  any  longer  a  neutral  position  in  that  fight  —  he  must 
define  his  case  more  fully ;  his  attempts  to  appear  fully 
saved  would  not  do ;  his  top-loftiness  would  have  to  come 
down, —  and  he  therefore  called  upon  him  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  to  state  and  declare  what  was  his  religious  con- 
dition. This  was  putting  the  Dr.  in  a  corner,  and  seemed 
to  be  pressing  him  rather  hard.  But  the  Dr.  had  urged, 
almost  beyoud  measure,  that  Mr.  Inskip  and  the  brethren 
from  the  East  should  hold  the  meeting  for  the  promotion  of 
holiness ;  therefore  to  evade  the  point  of  committing  him- 
self personally  and  publicly  to  the  work,  was  a  course  that 
could  not  be  allowed,  especially  as  his  own  people  knew, 
and  said,  he  was  not  setting  a  proper  example  for  his 
church,  whom  he  was  urging  to  seek  the  great  blessing. 
And  it  was  evident  the  Holy  Spirit  was  working  mightily 
with  him,  and  that  he  needed  some  such  plain  dealing  to 
help  him  to  overcome  the  deep  and  terrible  opposition  of 
the  carnal  mind  that  was  struggling  to  maintain  the  mastery. 
Happily  the  Dr.  availed  himself  of  the  auspicious  moment, 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY.  2GI 


his  self-will  gave  way,  and  he  wrenched  himself  out  of  the 
suare,  and  went  down  as  an  humble  seeker,  with  the  most 
lowly  of  all.  This  was  all  that  remained  for  him  to  do. 
He  had  been  standing  on  the  verge  of  the  cleansiug  foun- 
tain for  days  previous,  and  longing  to  make  the  plunge ;  but 
pride,  and  personal  popularity,  demurred  —  it  seemed  too- 
much  that  Dr.  Cox  should  go  down  as  a  seeker !  But  when 
this  bar  was  passed,  all  was  over,  the  surrender  was  com- 
plete. Then,  with  a  suddenness  that  might  seem  marvel- 
lous, his  faith  touched  the  blood  that  makes  the  foulest 
clean ;  great  power  came  upon  him  ;  his  manly  countenance 
glowed  with  a  heavenly  brightness,  and  his  whole  being  for 
the  time  seemed  transfigured  and  covered  with  glory.  One 
could  scarcely  believe  the  change  in  the  singing,  the  prayers, 
and  the  spirit  of  the  man,  after  this  experience.  There  was 
no  more  hesitation ;  he  publicly  and  sweetly  testified  that 
the  blood  of  Christ  cleansed  from  all  sin. 

From  this  event  in  the  meeting,  not  only  great  numbers 
sought  full  salvation,  but  multitudes  of  sinners  became 
awakened,  and  were  converted.  At  times,  not  less  than 
two  hundred  were  either  kneeling,  or  were  prostrate  on  the 
ground,  great  numbers  of  whom  professed  conversion, 
and  many  others  declared  they  were  fully  saved  and 
sanctified.  This  was,  indeed,  a  wonderful  meeting. 
It  had  taken  on  such  proportions  of  spiritual  influence 
and  power,  it  seemed  to  go  of  its  own  accumulated  force, 
carrying  everybody  with  it  like  a  mighty  river,  sweeping  on 
and  overwhelming  all  opposition. 

During  the  progress  of  the  meeting,  Mr.  Inskip  wrote  to 
the  Home  Journal,  in  Philadelphia,  as  follows :  — 

"  Our  meeting  here  is  much  greater  than  either  of  the  others. 
The  interest  increases  at  every  service.  The  work  last  night  was 
truly  amazing.  Among  the  subjects  of  it  are  many  of  the  most 
wealthy  and  influential  members  of  the  church.    The  preachers  are 


262 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


very  hearty  in  their  co-operation.  The  brethren  of  the  Book-room, 
aud  the  presiding  elder,  and  all  the  regular  pastors  of  the  city,  are  in 
fullest  sympathy  with  the  movement.  The  brethren  from  distant 
points  come  in  considerable  numbers,  and  return  to  their  fields  of 
labor  '  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost.'  By  the  time  this  reaches  you,  I 
really  believe  the  Pacific  Coast  will  be  in  a  blaze. 

"  It  seems  impossible  for  me  to  write  in  the  midst  of  such  a  fight. 
The  nature  of  the  conflict,  and  the  glory  of  the  victory,  literally  ex- 
haust and  bewilder  me.  I  cannot,  at  this  present  time,  do  more  than 
to  pause  a  moment  to  send  a  word  of  greeting  and  good  cheer.  I 
must  content  myself  with  saying,  to  the  praise  of  Almighty  God, 
that  for  our  Association,  this  is  the  greatest  triumph  of  our  life.  As 
the  cry  goes  forth,  '  The  sword  of  the  Lord  and  of  Gideon ! '  the 
people  rally  around  the  banner  of  holiness,  and  wonders  are  daily  oc- 
curring among  us.  Please  allow  me  to  ask  all  your  readers  to  join  us 
in  the  shout  of  '  Hallelujah,  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth  1 '  " 

During  the  meeting,  there  were  seasons  of  devotion,  when, 
for  the  space  of  nearly  half  an  hour,  the  silence  was  almost 
oppressive.  But  those  were  heart-searching  moments,  when 
all  the  vast  multitudes  were  awed  into  the  most  profound 
reverence,  and  each  turned  his  thoughts  inward,  introspect- 
ing his  religious  state  in  the  light  of  the  great  eternity  that 
seemed  already  at  the  door.  How  small  and  unsatisfying 
the  world  seemed  then!  Self  is  loathed,  and  "Christ  is  all 
in  all."  The  silence  would  sometimes  be  broken  by  low, 
soft,  sweet,  murmuring  voices,  just  audible,  breathing  out  a 
hymn  of  praise,  bearing  the  soul  up  as  on  unseen  wings,  till 
it  seemed  to  mingle  with  angelic  tongues  bursting  into 
rapturous  hallelujahs  round  the  throne.  At  other  times, 
the  Spirit  would  inspire  the  loud-sounding  anthem  and  a 
glorious  shout  of  victory  and  joy.  It  never  will  be  known 
in  this  world  how  much  for  God  and  souls  was  accomplished 
at  that  meeting  of  ten  days.  Many  scores  were  converted, 
and  as  many  sanctified  and  fully  saved.  Two  of  Mr.  In- 
skip's  nephews  were  fully  saved,  and  consecrated  to  God. 
They  were  his  sister's  sons,  Edward  and  Seneca  Jones,  — 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AN  J)  SALT  LAKE  CITY. 


2G3 


one  a  promising  young  lawyer,  the  other  a  merchant.  Both 
are  now  ministers,  and  highly-esteemed  members  of  the 
California  Conference,  eminently  successful  in  advancing 
the  kingdom  of  Christ. 

But  the  love-feast,  held  on  the  second  Sunday  morning  of 
the  meeting,  was  almost  beyond  description, — the  singing, 
the  prayers,  the  testimonies,  the  spirit  that  pervaded  all 
hearts,  made  it  an  occasion  and  a  scene  never  to  be  for- 
gotten. The  writer  will  ever  remember  a  distinguished 
lawyer,  a  gentleman  of  great  wealth  and  high  position, 
standing  up  and  saying :  "  This  is  the  happiest  day  of  my 
life !  I  have  consecrated  myself  and  all  I  have  to  God. 
Jesus  is  mine.  I  am  feasting,  to-day,  on  angels'  food ;  I 
am  fully  saved.  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanses  me 
from  all  sin.  Glory  be  unto  the  Father,  and  unto  the  Son, 
and  unto  the  Holy  Ghost,  now  and  forever  ! "  It  was  worth 
a  journey  of  three  thousand  miles  to  attend  that  meeting,  — 
yea,  verily,  it  was  worth  a  life-time  journey  j  for,  perhaps, 
never  in  a  life-time  is  one  permitted  to  enjoy  more  than  one 
such  occasion,  if,  indeed,  he  is  that.  The  Mount  of  Trans, 
figuration  was  not  more  glorious,  —  the  upper  chamber  was 
not  more  hallowed.  Pentecost  was  repeated,  and  all  were 
tilled  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 

The  brethren  urged,  almost  beyond  measure,  that  Mr. 
Inskip  and  his  co-laborers  should  remain  longer;  but  other 
engagements  made  it  imperative  to  close  the  meeting  th>' 
second  Sunday  evening  —  the  third  of  June,  —  it  having  been 
held  ten  days.  The  closing  scene  was  one  of  profound  and 
tender  interest,  which  our  pen  is  too  feeble  to  portray. 

The  Tabernacle  Meeting  at  Salt  Lake  City. 

On  Monday  morning,  June  5,  Mr.  Inskip  and  the  company 
from  the  East  took  affectionate  leave  of  the  dear  friends  in 
San  Francisco,  en  route  for  Salt  Lake  City,  where  arrange- 


264 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


ments  had  been  made  to  hold  a  tabernacle  meeting.  The 
company  stopped  over  night  at  Sacramento,  for  the  purpose 
of  greeting  once  more  the  loved  ones  there,  many  of  whoiu 
had  been  brought  to  Christ  during  the  tabernacle  meeting 
at  that  place.  The  next  day  a  large  delegation  from  the 
churches  assembled  at  the  depot  to  bid  them  a  final  farewell. 
Mr.  Inskip  made  a  parting  address  from  the  platform  of  the 
car,  after  which  all  united  in  a  song  of  praise,  closing  witn 
the  doxology.  Then  waving  a  tearful  adieu,  they  parted, 
perhaps  to  meet  no  more  on  earth. 

After  the  ordinary  incidents  of  travel  over  the  Sierras 
and  the  great  desert,  Thursday  morning,  at  about  11  o'clock, 
the  company  upon  whom  the  eyes  of  thousands  of  the 
church  were  fixed,  made  their  advent  into  the  metropolis  of 
Mormondom.  There  was  evidently  no  little  suppressed 
anxiety  among  the  Mormons,  as  well  as  interest  on  the  part 
of  the  "  Gentiles "  and  disaffected  followers  of  Brigham 
Young,  as  to  what  the  result  would  be.  When  approaching 
within  two  miles  of  the  city,  one  is  greeted  with  a  strong 
smell  of  sulphur ;  but  any  apprehension  on  that  account  is 
removed,  when  it  is  ascertained  that  the  odor  is  produced  by 
the  existence  of  immense  hot  sulphur  springs  in  the  suburbs 
of  the  city.  The  city  itself  is  beautiful  for  situation.  On 
the  eastern  rim  of  the  great  American  Desert,  some  fifteen 
miles  southeast  of  Salt  Lake,  reclining  on  a  gentle  slope  at 
the  foot  of  the  Wahsitch  Mountains,  lies  this  renowned  city 
of  the  "Latter-day  Saints."  The  climate,  as  well  as  its 
situation,  is  extolled  as  most  charming. 

Whatever  may  have  been  Brigham  Young's  motive,  it  is 
no  more  than  fair  to  say,  that  he  endeavored  to  make  the 
impression  on  the  mind  of  Mr.  Inskip  and  the  brethren  who 
called  on  him,  that  they  were  welcome  to  Salt  Lake  City, 
and  their  coming  pleased  him.  And  he  also  kindly  offered 
any  and  all  the  aid  they  might  ueed  in  their  preparations 


SAJf  FEA-N  CISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY.  265 


for  the  meeting;  and  assured  them  he  should  attend  the  ser- 
vices as  often  as  opportunity  would  permit. 

The  Mormons  regard  themselves  as  God's  favored,  but 
persecuted  people.  "  Holiness  to  the  Lord,"  is  their  motto, 
which  is  seen  on  all  their  places  of  business,  and  over  the 
doors  of  their  rum-shops  as  well.  In  religious  attainments 
they  claim  to  be  perfect.  Hence,  to  talk  to  them  about  re- 
ligion as  taught  by  evangelical  churches,  is  like  carrying 
coals  to  Newcastle.  They  are  divided  into  three  classes : 
Brighamites,  Josephites,  and  Godbieites.  The  Brighamites, 
are  those  who  regarded  Brigham  Young  as  the  visible  head 
of  God's  church  on  earth;  they  are  also  largely  in  the 
majority,  and  they  possess  the  greatest  wealth,  and  are  the 
ruling  class.  The  Josephites,  are  those  who  rejected  Brig- 
ham's  authority,  regarding  him  as  an  impostor;  accepting 
the  rule  of  Joseph  Smith,  jr.,  son  of  the  "Martyr  Joseph," 
regarding  him  as  the  legally  ordained  head  of  the  church. 
They  also  reject  polygamy,  and  are  the  best  people  among 
the  so-called  Mormons.  The  Godbieites  are  those  who  fol- 
low the  leadership  of  Godbie,  a  wealthy  merchant.  This 
seems  to  be  a  political  faction.  Though  not  strongly  in 
favor  of  polygamy  yet  they  practice  it  to  some  extent. 
They  are  mostly  infidels,  and  admirers  of  Tom  Paine's  sen- 
timents. Some,  however,  are  Spiritualists.  But  back  of 
their  religious  pretentions  and  social  customs,  there  is 
among  them,  as  mentioned,  an  evident  political  ambition 
and  opposition  to  the  Brigham  hierarchy.  Both  these  latter, 
and  all  the  "  Gentiles,"  united  in  giving  Mr.  Inskip  and  his 
company  a  hearty  welcome  to  Salt  Lake  City. 

There  being  considerable  delay  in  the  preparations,  the 
tabernacle  was  not  erected  and  finished  in  time  for  service 
until  the  following  morning.  Mr.  Inskip  preached  the 
opening  sermon,  from  the  text :  "  What  must  I  do  to  be 
saved  ?  "    The  sinfulness  of  mankind  was  clearly  set  forth, 


266 


LIFE  OF  JOUN  8.  INSKLP. 


and  the  only  refuge  of  the  sinner  was  shown  to  be  repent- 
ance towards  God,  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  But 
as  one  said,  it  was  a  "  masked  battery." 
-  In  the  afternoon,  Mr.  McDonald  preached,  telling  the  peo- 
ple how  they  could  distinguish  the  truth  from  the  wicked 
and  delusive  errors  of  false  teachers.  In  the  evening  the 
tabernacle  was  crowded.  Mr.  Boole  preached  from  the  text 
in  Daniel  v.  27:  "Thou  art  weighed  in  the  balances  and 
art  found  wanting."  This  was  not  an  attack,  so  as  to  pro- 
voke the  ire  of  the  Mormons,  yet  there  was  a  tremendous 
grip  in  the  sermon.    But  the  best  of  order  was  preserved. 

The  heat  and  glare  of  the  sun  was  so  intense  and  oppres- 
sive during  the  middle  of  the  day,  that  services  were  held 
in  the  tabernacle  only  mornings  and  evenings.  The  after- 
noon meetings  were  held  in  a  private  house,  where  Mr. 
Inskip  and  the  company  lodged,  with  a  Mr.  Nichols,  a  local 
preacher. 

From  the  commencement,  the  meeting  increased  in  in- 
terest daily.  The  most  direct  attack  upon  Mormonism  was 
made  by  Mr.  Boole,  whose  spirit  could  not  rest  until  he  had 
given  the  monster  a  shot.  His  subject  was,  "The  Mormon 
priesthood  and  the  plurality  of  wives,"  —  the  two  main 
pillars  of  the  Mormon  system.  The  great  lights  of  the 
"  Latter-day  Saints  "  were  present,  —  Brigham  Young ; 
George  A.  Smith,  the  chief-counselor;  George  Q.  Cannon, 
and  0.  Pratt,  the  ablest  advocate  of  the  Mormon  faith,  and 
a  full  corps  of  "  apostles  and  prophets."  Mr.  Boole's  dis- 
course occupied  one  hour  and  fifty  minutes,  and  was  de- 
livered in  a  bold  but  kindly  manner.  The  congregation  was 
large,  but  attentive ;  the  speaker  was  frequently  interrupted 
by  some  zealous  Mormons  asking  questions,  but  in  every 
case  they  were  worsted  by  appropriate  and  cutting  answers ; 
as  one  said,  "Never  did  Mormonism  get  such  a  thorough 
silting  on  its  own  grounds  before."    As  the  speaker  closed 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY. 


267 


his  sermon,  a  Mormon  elder  sprang  to  his  feet,  and,  with  a 
loud  voice,  asked  if  he  might  speak  in  reply.  Mr.  Inskip 
responded,  saying,  "  This  is  not  the  time  nor  place  for  con- 
troversy." But  after  the  benediction,  he  made  another  at- 
tempt to  raise  an  argument.  At  this  moment  there  were 
evident  indications  of  a  tumult.  In  the  midst  of  the  excite- 
ment, Mr.  Inskip,  ever  ready  for  an  emergency,  stepped  for- 
ward, and  with  an  emphasis  and  manner  which  was  peculiar 
to  himself  when  aroused,  said,  "  Gentlemen,  we  are  Ameri- 
can citizens,  and  we  are  here  under  the  protection  of  the 
flag  of  our  country,  which  guarantees  us  free  speech,  We 
did  not  inteifere  with  you  at  your  tabernacle  last  Sunday ;  " 
and,  with  a  tone  of  voice  and  manner  quite  overwhelming, 
he  added  :  "  We  will  not  allow  any  interference  here!  "  As 
a  matter  of  course,  under  the  circumstances,  the  elder  sud- 
denly subsided.  At  the  same  moment,  a  large  number 
hurrahed  for  the  government  and  the  flag.  There  were 
present,  also,  a  large  company  of  miners  and  huuters  from 
the  mountains,  who  gathered  round  the  platform,  with  their 
hands  upon  their  revolvers,  saying,  "  If  there  is  to  be  any- 
thing done  here,  we  would  like  to  have  a  hand  in  it." 

The  result  was  a  triumphant  vindication  of  the  right  of 
free  speech  in  a  city  in  which,  until  within  a  short  time 
before,  the  penalty  for  such  an  attempt  in  many  instances, 
had  been  the  forfeiture  of  life. 

Brigham,  at  a  meeting  among  his  people,  referring  to  Mr. 
Boole's  sermon,  endeavored  to  ridicule  it  by  saying,  "  It  was 
the  most  vigorous  pumping  in  a  dry  well  that  he  ever 
witnessed." 

All  through  the  meeting,  the  most  searching  truths  were 
proclaimed  by  all  the  preachers,  among  whom  was  Rev.  A. 
Atwood,  from  Philadelphia,  who  addressed  the  multitudes, 
striking  at  the  very  foundations  of  this  system  of  modern 
heathenism.  The  lion  was  bearded  in  his  den,  without 
daring  to  show  his  ugly  teeth. 


268 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Thousands  of  Mormons  came  from  many  miles  around, 
bringing  their  wives  and  children  in  all  manner  of  vehicles, 
representing  the  peculiar  features  of  extreme  frontier  life  ; 
many  of  whom  never  heard  a  Gospel  sermon  before. 

God,  only,  can  estimate  the  amount  of  good  accomplished 
by  those  ten  days  of  faithful  preaching.  The  leading  busi- 
ness men  and  government  officials  were  delighted  with  the 
results  of  the  meeting.  Free  speech  had  been  established, 
and  the  masses  were  lifted  from  their  abject  servility  and 
fear  of  an  irresponsible  tyranny,  to  feel  they  were  men,  and 
had  rights  which,  for  the  first  time,  they  dared  to  claim. 
Conversions  were  not  numerous,  but  of  a  character  to  be 
important.  It  was  not  expected,  under  the  circumstances, 
that  the  numbers  would  be  great.  But  among  others  was 
the  wife  of  Bishop  Hunter,  called  the  archbishop  of  Mor- 
monism,  and  president  of  the  board  of  bishops.  She  was 
clearly  converted,  and  declared  her  purpose  to  assume  her 
maiden  name.  Also,  the  wife  and  daughter  of  0.  Pratt,  the 
great  advocate  of  the  Mormon  faith ;  Mrs.  Pratt  refusing  to 
live  any  longer  in  polygamy.  The  first  wife  of  Godbie  was 
also  one  of  the  earnest  seekers,  and  she,  also,  abandoned 
polygamy.  And  others  who  had  been  bound  down  by  this 
system  of  religious  despotism,  sought  and  found  deliverance 
in  Christ.  Some  who  were  backsliders  were  reclaimed,  and 
a  few  entered  into  the  blessed  state  of  perfect  love. 

It  must  be  remembered  here,  that  to  renounce  Mormon- 
ism,  required  no  little  moral  courage ;  and  in  many  cases 
the  loss  of  friends,  property,  and  perhaps  life  itself.  Not 
a  few  have,  heretofore,  paid  this  terrible  penalty.  In  such 
cases,  Brigham  Young  has  been  heard  to  recommend  the 
bowie-knife  as  a  proper  remedy. 

This  wonderful  meeting,  so  remarkable  in  incident,  and 
influences  that  will  extend  through  generations  to  come, 
closed  on  Sunday  evening,  June  18,  1871.    The  last  service 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY. 


269 


was  the  great  occasion  of  the  whole  meeting.  Besides 
Brighain  Young,  and  all  the  leaders  of  the  Mormon  Church, 
there  were  present  the  governor,  the  chief  justice,  and  the 
attorney-general  of  the  territory,  and  General  Morrow,  from 
Camp  Douglas,  who  had  seats  on  the  platform.  To  Mr. 
Inskip,  as  well  as  to  others,  this  seemed  one  of  the  great 
opportunities  of  his  life.  One  can  scarcely  appreciate  the 
profound  and  awful  sense  of  responsibility  that  rested  upon 
his  soul,  as  for  the  last  time  he  was  to  speak  to  the  gathered 
thousands  who  crowded  the  great  tent,  and  filled  all  the 
open  spaces  around  it.  Many  of  these  persons  were  mur- 
derers and  thieves,  and  the  most  abominable  characters, 
who  in  the  providence  of  God  were  brought  to  hear  his  last 
message.  Mr.  Inskip  chose  for  his  subject,  and  preached 
his  great  sermon  on,  "The  Judgment  Day."  He  evidently 
set  out  to  pursue  his  usual  line  of  thought  and  application ; 
but  those  who  knew  him  best,  could  see  he  was  not  measur- 
ing up  to  his  own  ideas  of  the  occasion.  But  as  his  eye 
swept  over  the  scene,  he  caught  the  inspiration  of  his  re- 
sponsibilities, and  in  a  moment  he  was  at  his  best.  He 
portrayed  the  awful  scene,  the  coming  Judge,  the  great 
white  throne,  the  departing  heavens,  and  the  resurrection  ot 
the  dead.  He  brought  all  nations  before  the  bar  of  God 
for  trial  and  judgment.  Then  he  arraigned  the  huge  in- 
iquity of  the  Mormon  rulers,  bishops,  elders,  and  apostles ; 
and  told  them  their  hiding  away  in  the  desert  would  be  no 
cover  for  their  horrid  crimes, —  their  murdered  victims, 
whose  ghosts  nightly  walked  their  streets  and  haunted  the 
canyons  of  their  mountains,  would  confront  them  at  the 
judgment-seat  of  Christ !  Then,  rising  to  his  climax,  with 
voice  and  manner  utterly  impossible  to  represent  (when  it 
seemed  that  the  last  trump  might  at  any  moment  begin  to 
sound),  he  said :  "  Then  the  man  who  is  most  responsible 
for  all  these  ciimes  —  the  man  who  has  blasphemed  God, 


270 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


insulted  his  justice,  and,  under  the  garb  of  religion,  has 
outraged  the  Christian  civilization  of  the  age  by  his  de- 
bauchery and  the  niultliplicity  of  his  wives,  shall  then  give 
account  for  his  heaven-daring  wickedness ! "  The  effect 
was  electrical.  For  a  few  moments  there  was  a  tempest  of 
excitement,  the  whole  audience  was  in  commotion,  and  the 
preacher  was  greeted  with  a  storm  of  applause.  After  the 
clapping  subsided,  Mr.  Inskip,  in  a  low,  but  emphatic  tone 
of  voice,  said:  "Lord,  let  that  stick!"  Daniel  Wells,  the 
mayor  of  the  city,  motioned  to  Brigham  to  go ;  but  the 
latter  shook  his  head,  for  he  knew  that  any  movement  ou 
his  part  would  intensify  the  excitement,  and  in  that  case,  it 
might  turn  out  badly  for  him,  as  many  were  there  from  the 
mines  and  the  mountains,  who  were  not  only  armed  to  the 
teeth,  but  were  only  too  anxious  for  a  chance  at  "  the 
tyrant."  It  was  no  doubt  very  mortifying  to  him,  in  his 
own  city,  before  his  own  people,  who  had  accorded  him  the 
highest  honors  at  the  head  of  the  church,  to  be  publicly 
branded  as  the  vilest  of  living  men  ;  and  not  daring  to  even 
resent  it.  The  case  was  more  thrilling  than  when  at  Cses- 
area,  Felix  quailed  before  the  mighty  speech  of  St.  Paul. 

After  the  few  moments  of  excitement,  Mr.  Inskip  finished 
his  sermon,  and  the  meeting  was  closed  in  the  most  orderly 
manner.  It  was  the  verdict  of  those  most  capable  of  judg- 
ing, that  the  meeting  had  been  a  grand  success.  It  opened 
the  eyes  of  thousands  who  never  had  heard  anything  but 
Mormonism  before,  and  did  what  never  was  done  before : 
it  put  Mormonism  on  the  defensive,  among  its  own  followers. 
This  fact  was  clearly  brought  out  by  Rev.  Dr.  T.  DeWitt 
Talmage,  who  visited  Salt  Lake  City  some  weeks  after  the 
holding  of  the  tabernacle  meeting.  Dr.  Talmage  wrote  to 
the  Christian  at  Work,  as  follows  :  — 

"  We  found  the  track  of  the  Methodist  tent  all  the  way  across  the 
continent.    Mormonism  never  received  such  a  shot  as  when,  with 


SAN  FRANCISCO  AND  SALT  LAKE  CITY. 


271 


Brigham  Young  and  his  elders  present  in  the  tent,  the  party  of  wide- 
awake Methodist  ministers  preached  righteousness,  temperance,  and 
judgment  to  come,  in  great  Salt  Lake  City.  The  effect  of  those  few 
days  of  faithful  talking  will  nover  be  forgotten.  Hardly  a  service  is 
held  in  the  Mormon  Tabernacle  that  an  effort  is  not  made  to  combat 
the  sermons  of  the  itinerants.  On  the  two  occasions  when  we  were 
present  in  the  Tabernacle,  all  the  speakers  felt  called  upon  to  answer 
the  big  tent.  It  was  evident  t  hat  the  monster  of  sin  had  been  speared, 
and  the  wound  rankled.  We  have  never  seen  the  brethren  of  that 
religious  storming-party  ;  but  we  hail  them  through  these  columns, 
for  the  glorious  work  they  have  accomplished  in  Salt  Lake  City.  It 
was  the  first  gleam  of  light  that  some  of  the  bondmen  of  the  great 
religious  despotism  have  seen  for  many  a  year.  If  the  Methodists 
had  staid  a  few  days  longer,  and  gone  around  the  wall  i  of  that  Jericho, 
blowing  the  '  rams'-horns,'  I  do  not  know  but  that  brazen  super- 
stition might  have  fallen  in  thunder  and  wreck,  leaving  many  of  the 
elders  desolate,  with  only  ten  or  fifteen  wives  apiece.  Might  not  the 
Christian  Church  of  all  denominations  learn  a  lesson  from  this  re- 
ligious crusade  ?  We  want  more  men  in  the  religious  world  with  the 
hold  dash  that  Kilpatrick  and  Stonewall  Jackson  had  in  the  military. 
If  the  great  West  waits  till  churches  can  be  organized,  built,  and  paid 
for,  the  majority  of  the  present  generation  will  perish.  Oh  for  more  big 
tents  !  A  few  poles  and  a  big  piece  of  canvas,  and  four  or  five 
Christians  on  fire  with  zeal,  have  proved  themselves  able  to  shake 
Brigham's  Tabernacle,  that  cost  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dol- 
lars. He  who  is  afraid  of  revivals  had  better  die  now  before  nations 
are  born  in  a  day." 

The  above  was  the  observation  of  the  result  of  the  taber- 
nacle meeting  in  Salt  Lake  City,  by  one  of  the  most  enter- 
prising and  successful  ministers  of  Christ  in  this  generation 
of  great  men. 

It  is  evident  from  subsequent  developments  that  Mormon- 
ism  has  never  recovered  from  the  terrible  bombardment  it 
received  from  I  he  batteries  of  the  National  Camp-meeting 
Association.  The  authority  and  influence  then  lost  by  the 
Mormon  rulers,  have  never  been  regained,  and  never  will  be. 
Great  credit  is  due  to  Rev.  G.  M.  Pierce,  missionary,  sta- 
tioned at  Salt  Lake  City  at  the  time,  for  the  ample  arrange- 


272 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


nients  and  provision  made  for  holding  the  meeting.  Mr. 
Pierce  spared  no  labor  nor  expense  to  make  the  meeting  a 
success.  The  beautiful  church  that  now  stands  on  the  same 
site  where  the  tabernacle  was  pitched,  owes  its  origin  to  the 
enterprise  and  faithful  labors  of  Mr.  Pierce.  Eternity  only 
will  bring  to  light  the  near  and  remote  influences  for  good 
accomplished  by  that  meeting  held  iu  great  Salt  Lake  City. 
To  God  be  all  the  glory  of  the  victory  won  on  that  dark 
battle-field ! 

Mr.  Inskip  and  the  whole  company  left  the  city  on  Mon- 
day, June  20,  resuming  our  homeward  way  across  mountain 
and  desert,  arriving  at  New  York  the  following  Saturday 
morning ;  having  travelled  over  seven  thousand  miles,  held 
one  hundred  and  fifty  public  meetings,  resulting  in  the  con- 
version of  hundreds  of  precious  souls,  and  also  in  the  full 
salvation  of  hundreds  more.  No  accident  occurred  during 
the  whole  journey,  and  none  of  the  company  were  sick  even 
for  a  day. 

Thus  ended  one  of  the  grandest  religious  campaigns, 
never  excelled  since  the  days  of  the  apostles,  in  earnest, 
thorough  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  in  present  results, 
and  in  its  influence  for  good  upon  the  churches  of  the 
Pacific  Coast  for  many  years  to  come. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


m  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 

On  the  return  of  the  evangelistic  party  from  the  Pacific 
Coast,  without  turning  aside  to  rest,  they  opened  the  Na- 
tional Camp-meeting  campaign  for  the  season  at 

Pound  Lake, 

July  4.  This  meeting  was  quite  equal  to  any  of  its  prede- 
cessors, in  numbers  and  in  spiritual  influences.  One  writer 
says :  "Of  the  numbers  converted  and  entirely  sanctified, 
we  have  no  means  of  knowing.  Of  the  first,  there  were  a 
great  many,  and  of  the  latter,  never  so  many  at  any  former 
meeting." 

Mr.  Inskip  was  in  excellent  physical  condition,  while  his 
spirit  seemed  tender  and  subdued.  The  people  were  urged 
to  be  still  that  they  might  be  strong.  After  a  season  of 
great  excitement,  perhaps  undue  excitement,  Mr.  Inskip  said : 
"  Don't  quench  the  Spirit.  The  Spirit  will  be  quenched 
when  we  make  too  much  noise.  He  will  be  very  greatly 
grieved.  I  know  all  about  it.  The  best  way  to  hold  on,  is 
to  hold  in.  You  can  very  soon  empty  a  vessel  by  letting  it 
run  out.  Your  strength  is  to  sit  still.  You  will  grieve  the 
Spirit  by  making  too  much  noise,  when  others  want  to  be 
very  solemn  before  God.  I  am  learning  to  be  more  quiet. 
I  do  not  want  my  emotions  to  drive  me.  I  do  not  want  to 
say  '  amen '  too  loud.    Do  you  know  what  a  gush,  an  unction, 

273 


274 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  INSKIP. 


is  ?  Oil,  it  flows  so  beautifully,  like  artesian  wells,  —  it  just 
flows.  I  want  you  to  help  me  to  be  still.  There  is  a  most 
blessed  pressure  on  me.  I  am  still."  Such  utterances  were 
not  uncommon  at  tbese  great  and  exciting  gatherings.  They 
always  had  the  effect  to  humble  the  people,  and  thus  lift 
them  up.  One  event  transpired  at  this  camp-meeting  worthy 
of  note.  Mr.  Inskip  had  now  been  about  four  months  in  the 
evangelistic  work.  During  that  time,  he  had  received  for 
his  services  only  enough  to  pay  his  travelling  expenses. 
The  prospects  for  support  for  the  future  were  not  the  most 
flattering.  For  a  little  time,  his  faith  staggered,  especially 
under  a  call  from  a  wealthy  church  in  the  West,  to  become 
its  pastor.  The  letter  containing  the  call  reached  him  at 
Round  Lake.  He  was  offered  four  thousand  dollars  salary. 
A  similar  call  was  received  through  the  same  mail,  by  the 
brother  more  intimately  associated  with  him  than  any  other 
member  of  the  Association.  They  conferred  together  on  the 
subject,  and  finally  resolved  to  adhere  to  their  purpose  to 
continue  in  the  evangelistic  work  without  reference  to  sup- 
port. Before  the  meeting  closed,  they  were  pleasantly  re- 
warded for  their  fidelity  to  duty,  in  the  supply  of  their 
immediate  wants,  in  a  manner  which  we  need  not  relate. 

From  Round  Lake,  Mr.  Inskip  and  other  members  of  the 
Association  proceeded  to  Urbana,  Ohio.  It  was  here  that 
he,  by  unnecessary  exposure,  laid  the  foundation  for  much 
of  his  subsequent  illness.  The  weather  was  oppressively 
hot,  and  while  assisting  in  the  erection  of  the  big  tent,  or 
tabernacle,  he  received  a  slight  sunstroke,  which  came  near 
proving  fatal  on  the  spot.  But,  through  the  mercy  of  God, 
he  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  take  charge  of  the  meet- 
ing, and  conduct  it  with  his  usual  energy.  Here,  as  else- 
where, the  Association  cainu  into  unhappy  conflict  with  the 
local  camp-meeting  authorities,  on  the  observance  of  the 
Sabbath.    It  had  first  been  advertised  that  the  gates  would 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


275 


probably  be  closed  on  the  Sabbath  ;  but,  subsequently,  with- 
out conferring  with  the  National  committee,  arrangements 
had  been  made  not  only  to  have  open  gates,  but  to  take  toll 
on  the  Lord's  Day.  On  hearing  of  the  arrangements,  the 
National  Association  at  first  protested  against  this  desecra- 
tion of  the  Sabbath.  The  local  association  were  not  dis- 
posed to  yield,  but  sought,  by  argument,  to  convert  the 
National  Association  to  their  views.  They  were  kindly 
informed  that  we  were  not  there  to  be  converted.  It  was 
not  until  the  National  Association  had  informed  the  local 
authorities,  that,  unless  the  arrangement  was  changed,  they 
should  at  once  retire  from  the  ground,  and  leave  the  meeting 
to  be  run  by  the  local  association,  that  they  yielded  the 
point.    This  point  gained,  God  greatly  blessed  the  meeting. 

Mr.  Inskip  opened  the  services  with  $  most  thrilling  ad- 
dress on  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  inviting  all  who 
needed  it  to  come  to  the  altar.  The  venerable  Bishop 
Morris,  who  was  on  the  stand,  and  deeply  interested  in  the 
subject,  arose,  and  as  he  was  assisted  down  into  the  altar, 
with  deep  emotion  said,  "I  am  going  in  for  this  thing." 
Subsequently  he  said  :  u  I  came  to  this  meeting  hoping  that 
God  Almighty  would  grant  me  a  clean  heart." 

On  Tuesday  evening  of  the  second  week  of  the  meeting, 
one  of  those  singularly  impressive  incidents  occurred  which 
greatly  moved  all  hearts.  Mr.  Inskip  had  made  an  address 
of  great  power.  A  correspondent  of  a  Cincinnati  paper 
made  an  attempt,  with  very  imperfect  success,  to  describe 
the  scene.    He  says  :  — 

"  At  night  we  have  an  entirely  new  feature,  so  far  as  any  one 
knows  thus  far,  —  the  people  doing  their  own  preaching.  I  cannot 
describe  it,  but  O,  heavens  and  earth,  what  a  sight  !  What  a  mighty 
heaving  sea  of  emotion!  What  a  new  Jerusalem  of  melodious  ihun- 
derings!  Inskip  talked  avery  little,  and  made  some  suggestions  about 
testifying  in  the  language  of  God's  promises;  when,  from  every  quar- 


276 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  INSKIP. 


ter  of  the  audience,  —  consisting  of  at  least  six  thousand,  — short,  ap- 
posite scraps  of  Scripture  language,  came  darting  along,  like  the 
bright,  swift  beams  of  the  morning,  blazing  through  the  sky. 

"At  length  the  cries  of  thousands,  bowed  low  upon  their  knees, 
and  trusting  for  full  salvation,  is  hushed,  and  stillness  prevails,  while 
the  spiritual  forces  are  massing  and  nerving  themselves  for  the  con- 
flict, when  they  sing  suitable  hymns,  accompanied  by  the  chorus,  — 

"  '  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee, 
Dear  Lamb  of  Calvary,'  &c. 

"!Now  a  few  moments  of  silence;  after  which  Inskip  leads  again 
in  singing,  and  speaks,  between  times,  as  follows,  all  still  remaining 
on  their  knees, — 

"  If  Death  should  come  on  his  pale  horse,  I  would  sing  (all  sing- 
ing),— 

"'lam  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,*  &c. 

"  If  Earth  should  reel,  and  be  moved  out  of  his  place,  I  would  still 
sing  (all  singing),  — 

"  •  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,'  &c. 

"  And  oh,  if  the  sky  should  be  parted,  and  the  Great  Judge  should 
come  now,  I  still  would  sing  (all  singing),  — 

" '  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,'  &c. 

"  If  I  had  gone  up  yonder,  and  found  the  gate  of  Heaven  shut,  I 
would  stand  there  knocking  for  admittance,  and  would  sing  as  I 
knocked  (all  singing),  — 

"  'I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,*  &c. 

"  Oh !  if  all  the  world  were  dark,  and  I  had  no  light,  I  would  soft- 
ly sing  until  the  light  should  come  (all  singing  softly),  — 

"  '  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,"  &c. 

"  And  oh,  if  darkest  sorrow  encompassed  me  round,  and  there  was 
no  hope,  I  would  still  whisper  and  gently  sing  (all  singing  so  very 
softly),- 

"  '  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,'  &c. 

"Then,  pausing  a  moment,  as  if  he  could  think  of  no  adequate 
form  of  expression,  he  said,  lifting  his  voice  like  a  deep  thunder,  and 
rising  as  he  began  to  utter  it,  and  shouting  as  he  proceeded,  bringing 
all  the  people  to  their  feet  to  join  him  in  the  chorus  by  which  he  fol- 
lowed it,  he  said :  — 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


277 


"And,  O  Lord  my  God!  if  I  were  as  happy  as  I  could  be  —  and  I 
bless  God,  I  am!  —  if  I  were  full  of  Christ  and  Heaven,  as  I  am  now, 
I  would  shout  louder  than  the  angels  could  sing  (all  singing  as  loud 
as  possible),  — 

"  '  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee,'  &c." 

One  who  did  not  know  Mr.  Inskip,  might  regard  this  as 
premeditated  effort,  to  produce  excitement.  But  those  who 
knew  him  best,  and  observed  his  movements  for  many  years, 
knew  it  to  be  purely  spontaneous.  His  richest  and  most 
eloquent  utterances  were  entirely  unpremeditated.  And  no 
one  who  simply  reads  these  incidents  can  form  any  just  con- 
ception of  the  effects  produced  at  the  time. 

Of  the  Urbana  National  Ciinp-meeting,  Bishop  Morris, 
who  was  there  through  all  its  services,  said  in  a  love-feast : 
"  There  are  a  number  of  things  for  which  I  praise  God.  The 
first  is,  that  I  have  lived  to  see  a  National  Camp-meeting  in 
Ohio.  Second,  that  so  many  prayers  have  been  offered  for 
me  by  name,  as  I  need  all  the  help  I  can  get.  Thirdly,  that 
Jesus  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  and  I  expect  He  will 
give  me  what  I  need."  "  The  final  results  of  this  camp- 
meeting,"  he  subsequently  wrote,  "will  never  be  known 
fully  till  the  great  day  of  reckoning." 

From  this  camp-meeting  sprang  much  of  the  interest  on 
the  subject  of  holiness  in  Ohio  and  Indiana.  Probably  no 
meeting  was  ever  held  in  the  West  which  so  profoundly 
moved  and  moulded  the  people. 

No  sooner  had  the  Urbana  Camp-meeting  closed,  than 
Messrs.  Inskip  aud  McDonald,  by  special  invitation  of  the 
Illinois  State  Camp-meeting  Association,  accompanied  by 
Bev.  S.  Coleman,  proceeded  to  Williamsville,  111.,  to  take 
charge  of  the  fetate  Camp-meeting,  held  at  that  place.  Here 
they  met  strong  opposition  from  those  who  opposed  the 
doctrine  of  holiness.  But  this  was  only  for  a  season.  The 
conduct  of  the  meeting  commended  itself  so  fully  to  the 


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LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


good  judgment  of  ministers  and  people,  that  at  the  close, 
the  ministers  of  the  Illinois  Conference  drew  up,  and  read 
the  following  paper  to  a  very  large  congregation :  — 

"We,  members  of  the  Illinois  Annual  Conference,  feel  it  a  great 
privilege  to  say,  that,  having  been  in  attendance  upon  the  Illinois 
State  Camp-meeting,  for  the  promotion  of  holiness,  believe  the  meet- 
ing to  have  been  a  great  blessing,  not  only  to  us,  but  to  the  whole 
community  ;  and  that  it  has  been  conducted  with  earnest  wisdom 
and  to  the  glory  of  God.  We  cordially  recommend  the  brethren  of 
the  National  Committee  —  Bros.  Inskip,  McDonald  and  Coleman, — 
as  men  every  way  calculated  to  spread  scriptural  holiness  over  the 
land." 

One  writer  says  of  this  meeting:  "The  whole  face  of 
things  was  changed.  Everybody  looked  as  if  they  had  been 
favored  with  a  call  from  the  Master,  and  that  sweet  had 
been  the  interview." 

The  camp-meetings  for  1871  having  closed,  it  will  be 
proper  to  follow  Mr.  Inskip  in  his  evangelistic  work  during 
the  fall  and  winter.  This  can  only  be  done  in  the  briefest 
manner. 

On  the  twenty-first  of  September,  a  tabernacle  meeting 
of  great  power  and  of  far-reaching  influence,  was  held  in 
the  city  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.  Several  members  of  the 
National  Association  accompanied  Mr.  Inskip.  It  was  at 
this  meeting  that  Hon.  W.  C.  DePauw,  of  New  Albany,  was 
led  into  the  experience  of  full  salvation,  which  he  has  ever 
since  declared  to  be,  "  a  first-class  luxury." 

Rev.  G.  C.  Smith,  at  the  close  of  the  meeting,  presented 
some  resolutions,  one  of  which  we  insert :  — 

"Resolved,  That  our  gratitude  and  fervent  praise  are  due  to  God 
that  this  reforming  agency  has  been  permitted  to  visit  the  churches  of 
Indianapolis,  with  a  success  never  before  witnessed  in  this  city,  and 
beyond  even  our  most  sanguine  expectations." 

The  numbers  converted  and  wholly  sanctified  were  very 
large. 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


279 


The  slight  sun-stroke  which  Mr.  Inskip  received  at  Urbana 
began  to  develop  unfavorable  symptoms.  His  extraordinary- 
labors  following  that  meeting,  had  a  tendency  to  increase, 
rather  than  diminish,  the  trouble.  He  was  obliged  to  retire 
to  Ocean  Grove  for  absolute  rest.  He  was  so  far  prostrated 
that  he  was  not  in  a  condition  even  to  attend  the  funeral 
services  of  his  old,  and  much-loved  friend  and  associate, 
Rev.  Alfred  Cookman,  whose  death  made  a  profound  impres- 
sion upon  his  mind. 

After  resting  for  more  than  two  months,  he  was  persuaded 
to  make  a  trial  of  his  strength  in  an  attempt  to  hold  a  meet- 
ing for  the  promotion  of  holiness  in  Bromfield  Street  Church, 
Boston,  commencing  December  14.  This  meeting  continued 
ten  days.  The  Bromfield  Street  Church  was  never  more 
densely  packed  than  on  that  occasion,  and  as  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Patten  remarked,  "the  like  no  one  had  ever  witnessed  before 
in  Boston."  Mr.  Inskip,  for  a  portion  of  the  time,  was  very 
poorly ;  so  much  so,  that  the  writer  urged  him  to  desist 
entirely,  and  not  attempt  to  do  any  more.  We  will  allow 
Mr.  Inskip  to  relate  the  circumstances  in  a  letter  to  his 
wife  :  — 

"Boston,  Mass.,  Dec.  11,  1871. 
"My  Precious  Wife,  —  If  I  could  see  you  this  morning,  how  my 
soul  would  rejoice.  Tou  will  be  amazed  when  I  tell  you  I  am  cured. 
God  has  done  it.  I  can't  give  you  all  the  particulars  until  we  meet. 
On  Friday  night,  in  preaching,  I  had  a  singular  experience.  In  the 
midst  of  my  sermon,  I  was  taken  with  a  bewildering  feeling,  under 
which  I  was  near  falling.  This  was  followed  by  a  numbness  in  my 
limbs,  which  was  rather  like  going  to  sleep.  Some  friends  —  among 
the  rest,  Dr.  Haven,  of  the  Herald  —  noticed  it.  He  said,  as  I  have 
since  learned,  to  Brother  McDonald  :  !  Inskip  is  about  done.  He  is 
drawing  hard  on  his  life.'  Brother  McDonald  insisted  that  I  ought 
to  take  a  trip  to  Europe.  Dear  man,  he  has  been  so  kind  !  On 
Saturday  it  developed  that  the  pastor  of  the  church  was  strongly  op- 
posed to  our  movement.  In  a  conversation  with  us,  he  told  us  he 
wished  to  know  when  we  would  get  through  ;  and  the  interview  was 


280 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


very  unsatisfactory.  This,  added  to  the  excitement  of  the  meeting, 
made  a  heavy  draft  on  my  brain.  We  took  tea,  by  special  invitation, 
with  Dr.  Oullis.  After  tea,  he  said  to  me,  '  Why  don't  you  ask  God 
to  cure  you  ? '  I  assured  him  that  I  was  doing  this,  and  so  were 
hundrtds  of  my  friends.  He  then  read  James  v.  14,  15.  I  was  struck 
with  the  words,  '  The  Lord  shall  raise  him  up.'  We  knelt  in  prayer, 
and  I  believed,  and  God  fulfilled  His  promise.  We  had  four  services 
yesterday,  including  the  love-feast.  They  were  of  the  most  intense 
character  throughout  the  day  ;  yet  I  went  through  without  difficulty. 
This  morning  I  am  fresh  and  well.  I  give  God  all  the  glory.  But  oh, 
if  you  were  only  here  to  share  my  joy  !  You  must  have  been  praying 
forme.   Let  us  unite  to  ask  God  to  cure  you.    He  will  do  it." 

He  closes  the  letter  with  these  words :  — 

"  The  Lord  will  cure  you.  ITe  has  healed  me  for  an  evangelist.  I 
think,  of  course,  I  must  take  care  of  myself,  and  propose  to  do  so. 
But,  O  my  dear,  loving,  devoted  wife,  let  us  trust  in  God  !  lie  will 
wondrously  help  and  restore  you.  We  will  both  of  us  be  more  His 
than  ever.  I  feci  just  as  if  I  am  a  new  man,  —  so  filled  with  God  and 
salvation.    Glory,  glory,  glory  to  the  Lamb  ! " 

The  change  in  Sir.  Inskip's  health  seemed  most  remark- 
able ;  in  fact,  he  seemed  like  a  new  man.  He  slept  soundly, 
and  worked  vigorously,  and  did  not  seem  at  all  wearied  or 
broken.  The  meeting  continued  until  Thursday,  Mr.  Inskip 
going  through  with  the  services  with  entire  freedom  from 
his  head  trouble.  We  make  no  comments  on  the  matter, 
but  present  it  as  it  came  under  our  own  observation,  and  as 
he  has  correctly  reported  it. 

From  Boston  they  proceeded  to  Springfield,  Mass.,  where 
in  January,  1S72,  they  held  a  ten-days'  meeting  in  the 
Trinity  M.  E.  Church,  Kev.  J.  0.  Peck,  pastor.  "The 
effort,"  writes  Dr.  Peck,  "was  a  grand  success.  From  one 
hundred  to  two  hundred  experienced  the  blessing  of  entire 
sanctification.  No  wild-fire  or  strange  fire  characterized  the 
meeting;  yet  the  city  and  surrounding  towns  were  greaily 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


281 


moved ;  and  on  Sabbath  evenings,  by  no  possibility  could 
the  crowds  that  came  be  accommodated." 

Messrs.  Inskip  and  McDonald  held  meetings  at  Birming- 
ham, Conn.,  and  at  Green  St.,  New  York  City.  Of  this 
latter  meeting,  the  pastor,  Rev.  A.  K.  Sanford,  wrote :  "  I 
frequently  hear  from  the  oldest  members  of  the  church  such 
expressions  as  these:  'This  is  truly  wonderful';  'I  never 
witnessed  such  a  work  as  this';  'Such  marvelous  answers 
to  prayer ! '  " 

During  the  year,  Mr.  Inskip  and  the  writer  travelled  more 
than  twenty  thousand  miles,  held  about  six  hundred  public 
services,  heard  more  than  seven  hundred  ministers  and  three 
thousand  members  profess  that  they  had  experienced  the 
blessing  of  full  salvation,  to  which  was  added  the  conversion 
of  some  twelve  hundred  souls. 

The  camp-meetings  for  1872  were  five  in  number :  Oaks 
Corners,  N.  Y. ;  Sea  Cliff,  L.  I. ;  Kennebec,  Me. ;  Urbana,  0. ; 
and  Williamsville,  111. 

The  Oaks  Corners  meeting  was  the  first.  We  were  invited 
to  hold  this  meeting  by  the  East  Genesee  Conference.  It 
was  held  too  early  in  the  season  to  accommodate  the  people ; 
but  it  proved  to  be  a  meeting  of  deep  and  far-reaching  influ- 
ence. The  National  Association  had  a  most  desperate  con- 
flict with  the  local  association,  on  the  observance  of  the 
Sabbath ;  but  they  triumphed,  and  God  gave  them  corres- 
ponding victory.  Rev.  Mr.  Hogoboom  said  at  the  close : 
"You  have  represented  this  subject  in  such  sweetness  and 
love,  that  I  hope  we  may  go  home  and  live  this  before  all 
the  people ;  and  in  eternity  I  hope  these  brethren  will  un- 
derstand that  this  Oaks  Corners  camp-meeting,  which  begun 
in  showers,  and  which  had  its  shadows,  was  one  of  the  most 
successful,  most  glorious,  the  richest  and  sweetest,  which 
they  ever  attended." 

The  camp-meeting  at  Sea  Cliff  was  not  large,  but  it  had 


282 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


many  excellences.  It  resembled  so  nearly  those  which,  have 
been  described,  that  we  need  not  rehearse  its  peculiar  char- 
acteristics. A  reporter  closes  his  account  of  the  meeting 
with  these  words  :  "  Satan  is  poorer,  far,  and  Christ  and  his 
kingdom  richer,  for  the  meeting  at  Sea  Cliff.  To  God  the 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit,  be  everlasting  praise." 

It  should  be  said,  that  at  Sea  Cliff,  Miss  Sarah  Smiley  re- 
ceived such  a  baptism  of  the  Spirit  as  we  trust  she  has  not 
forgotten.  After  she  had  preached  from  the  public  stand, 
she  and  some  friends  were  praying  in  a  tent,  for  a  special 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  It  came  upon  Miss  Smiley  in 
overwhelming  measure.  From  ten  until  twelve  o'clock  at 
night,  she  was  in  a  state  of  unconsciousness.  When  she 
became  conscious,  she  was  remarkably  happy.  It  was  a 
Pentecost  to  her. 

The  Richmond,  Me.,  Camp-meeting,  followed  immediately 
after  Sea  Cliff.  For  ten  days  the  battle  was  waged  with 
remarkable  success.  The  first  service  was  held  in  the  big 
tabernacle.  Mr.  Inskip  said,  he  had  peculiar  feelings,  kneel- 
ing under  the  canvas  which  had  crossed  the  continent  on  its 
grand  mission,  and  prayed  that  "this  joy  of  the  earth, 
pitched  now  among  the  hills  of  the  Pine-tree  State,"  might 
witness  a  greater  victory  for  God  than  ever  before. 

The  sermons  of  Mr.  Inskip,  L.  R.  Dunn,  A.  McLean,  C. 
Munger,  W.  H.  Boole,  W.  T.  Harlow,  J.  B.  Foote,  W.  B. 
Osborn,  and  others,  were  clear  and  forcible  presentations 
of  the  doctrine  and  experience  of  perfect  love.  On  the 
third  day  of  the  meeting,  an  incident  occurred  which  melted 
all  hearts.  In  a  social  meeting  a  minister  arose  and  said: 
"  I  owe  the  Lord  something.  I  must  tell  of  the  power  of 
saving  grace.  A  few  weeks  ago,  I  was  sitting  with  my 
family  ;  my  son  was  away  earning  money  to  fit  him  for  the 
college.  News  came,  '  your  boy  is  drowned ; '  I  felt  the 
Everlasting  Arms  were  around  me ;  I  was  in  the  inner 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


283 


sanctuary,  where  language  is  gone,  but  not  thought.  1  was 
praying  without  words,  while  the  waves  went  over  me.  The 
sorrow  was  then  deep ;  but  these  five  weeks  have  been  the 
happiest  I  ever  knew.  Jesus  holds  me ;  He  saves  me.  He 
did  not  take  away  my  sorrow;  but  somehow,  He  put  a 
mighty  happiness  in  with  it.  Satan  said,  '  You  can't  preach 
now  ! '  I  can !  Glory  to  God !  I  can  tell  of  His  power  to 
save ! " 

As  this  brother  was  concluding  his  touching  experience,, 
Bros.  Harlow  and  Foote,  who  had  been  chastened  but  re- 
cently, in  a  similar  manner,  stepped  forward,  and  taking 
him  by  the  hand,  the  three  stood  together  holding  each  the 
hand  of  the  other.  Bro.  Harlow  said  :  "  Each  of  us  has  lost 
a  son,  but  we  have  been  kept.  While  at  General  Confer- 
ence, a  letter  was  put  into  my  hand  announcing  the  death  of 
my  eldest  child  on  the  Pacific  Coast.  I  went  to  my  room, 
got  down  on  my  knees,  and  thanked  God  for  such  a  son; 
but  gave  him  up.  While  the  rod  was  applied,  I  said,  1  Smite, 
Lord:  it  will  do  me  good!'  I  know  how  to  sympathize 
with  these  brethren  :  we  are  on  the  roll  of  honor." 

Bro.  Foote  said :  "  I  know  all  about  this  in  the  depth  and 
in  the  triumph.  My  son  was  at  Middletown.  He  was  sick, 
and  we  went  there.  When  better,  I  left.  He  was  a  beauti- 
ful boy  ;  converted  at  eight ;  I  thought  he  would  be  a  minis- 
ter. On  my  way  home  I  intercepted  a  telegram  to  my 
brother ;  it  said,  '  Osmon  is  dead.'  There  was  more,  but  I 
could  not  see  it.  These  words  came  to  me  sweetly,  'Jesus 
will  take  care  of  you.'  There  was  a  sensation  as  though 
my  heart  was  breaking :  Jesus  will  hold  it  together.  Friend 
said,  1  What  will  you  do '  ?  I  said,  there  is  a  Rock  beneath  ; 
it  is  .«olid.  I  rode  all  night.  It  was  a  wonderful  night. 
Ah !  the  glory  of  that  night  of  sorrow,  but  of  holy  peace ! 
The  moon  was  shining.  I  said,  '  Moon,  why  don't  you  put 
on  black  ?    Stars,  why  don't  you  weep  ?    Don't  you  know 


284 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


niy  boy  is  dead  ? '  Then  I  said,  '  No ;  shine  on  !  my  boy 
shines  brighter  than  you ;  and  I  shall  shine  when  you  are 
gone  out." 

All  hearts  were  melted,  and  at  the  same  time  rilled  with 
joy  at  the  wondrous  grace  of  God. 

More  than  fifty  children  were  converted  in  the  meeting 
led  by  Mrs.  Inskip,  and  many  adults  in  the  other  services, 
besides  the  very  large  numbers  fully  sanctified. 

Mr.  Inskip  was  greatly  delighted  with  the  spirit  of  the 
Richmond  Camp-meeting.  It  was  his  first  visit  to  Maine, 
and  he  often  referred  to  it  subsequently,  as  one  of  his  most 
pleasant  visits. 

Ukbajta. 

From  Richmond  the  committee  hastened  on  to  TJrbana, 
Ohio,  to  repeat  the  effort  of  the  former  year.  Many  were 
fearful  lest  this  second  meeting  might  fall  below  the  first. 
But  it  proved,  in  tbe  end,  to  be  vastly  superior. 

A  thoughtful,  deliberate  brother,  said  he  had  looked  well 
over  the  field,  und  was  fully  persuaded  that  ten  thousand 
souls  had  been  saved  during  the  past  year,  as  the  direct  result 
of  the  first  Urbana  meeting.  And  yet  it  was  admitted  that 
the  second  meeting  was  far  its  superior. 

We  never  place  any  special  reliance  on  numbers ;  but  it 
was  estimated,  by  careful  men,  who  had  taken  pains  to  learn 
the  truth  of  what  they  declared,  that  not  less  than  one 
thousand  were  fully  sanctified,  and  five  hundred  converted 
at  the  second  Urbana  Camp-meeting. 

Williamsville,  111.,  was  the  next  battle-ground.  Here  the 
congregations  were  not  as  large  as  at  some  other  camp-meet- 
ings held  during  the  season ;  but  it  is  doubtful  if  we  had, 
up  to  that  time,  held  a  meeting  which  produced  better  re- 
sults. Conversions  were  numerous,  and  sauctificatious 
among  ministers  and  people  were  more  numerous.  Bishop 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


285 


Haven  was  with  us,  and  preached  a  beautiful  sermon  on 
"  purity  of  heart." 

From  Williamsville,  a  number  of  the  members  of  the 
National  Association  moved  on  to  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  to  hold 
the  Fourteenth  National  Camp-meeting.  This  was  new 
ground,  and  viewed  from  a  human  standpoint,  not  remark- 
ably encouraging.  We  were  kindly  advised  not  to  go  to 
Tennessee,  —  that  we  should  be  regarded  as  Northern  in- 
truders, and  might  be  roughly  treated.  We  paid  no  atten- 
tion to  these  indirect  threats  —  for  such  we  regarded  them ; 
but  went  on  to  do  our  work,  trusting  in  God  to  protect  us. 
We  felt  as  safe  in  Tennessee  as  in  Massachusetts.  Contrary 
to  the  expectations  of  many,  the  meeting  was  a  marked 
success.  More  than  one  hundred  professed  conversion,  and 
a  large  number  of  ministers  and  church  members  were 
wholly  sanctified. 

We  left  East  Tennessee  with  a  thousand  hearts  urging 
us  to  return.  As  we  were  waiting  for  the  departure  of  the 
cars,  a  prominent  gentleman  in  the  community,  —  an  officer 
in  the  late  Confederate  army,  who  had  watched  our  move- 
ments, having  been  greatly  prejudiced  against  us,  —  mounted 
a  big  log,  and  said  :  "  Gentlemen,  I  want  to  say,  that  though 
I  had  objections  to  your  coming,  I  am  more  than  pleased. 
This  work  has  done  more  to  bridge  the  '  bloody  chasm,' 
than  all  the  acts  of  Congress,  conferences,  and  synods. 
God  bless  you  for  coming,  and  be  sure  and  come  agaiu, 
bringing  as  many  more  as  possible ;  provided,  always,  that 
they  are  of  the  same  sort."  This  was  the  general  feeling 
in  regard  to  the  results  of  the  meeting.  Hon.  Horace 
Maynard,  who  was  often  at  the  meeting,  said  to  the  writer, 
that  the  meeting,  in  his  judgment,  had  been  of  incalculable 
benefit,  in  softening  and  dissipating  the  bitter  feelings  that 
had  existed  among  the  people,  growing  out  of  the  rebellion. 

With  Knoxville,  closed  the  camp-meetings  for  1872.  It 
had  been  a  season  of  toil,  but  of  remarkable  victory. 


286 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


After  a  little  rest,  Messrs.  Inskip  and  McDonald  com- 
menced their  united  fall  and  winter  campaign.  They  first 
spent  a  week  with  Rev.  L.  R.  Dunn,  in  Paterson,  N.  J. 
The  meeting,  on  the  whole,  was  not  a  great  success. 

From  Paterson  they  went  to  Union  M.  E.  Church,  Phila- 
delphia, Dr.  Alday,  pastor.  It  is  doubtful  if  Mr.  Inskip 
ever  preached  for  ten  days  with  greater  freedom  and  power 
Many  were  converted  —  more  wholly  sanctified. 

Their  next  meeting  was  in  Wesley  Chapel,  Washington 
D.  C,  Rev.  R.  M.  Black,  pastor.  Here  God  wrought  a  greal 
work. 

From  Washington  they  went  to  New  Albany,  Ind.,  and 
held  a  ten-days'  meeting  in  the  Centenary  M.  E.  Church, 
Rev.  Mr.  Binkly,  pastor.  This  church  —  one  of  the  largest 
and  most  influential  in  the  Indiana  Conference  —  with  3 
membership  of  some  five  hundred  —  presented  the  sa(? 
spectacle,  of  a  Christian  church  with  at  least  one  half  oi 
its  members  unconverted  —  never  having  made  a  profession 
of  regeneration.  But  we  were  told  that  this  was  a  fail 
representation  of  the  churches  in  general.  The  meeting 
searched  hearts  to  the  core.  Besides  the  great  numbers 
who  were  fully  sanctified,  not  less  than  two  hundred  and 
fifty  were  converted,  and  they  left  the  town  in  a  blaze  of 
revival.  Mr.  DePauw  says  of  this  meeting,  in  a  note  to  the 
Christian  Advocate:  "Bros.  Inskip  and  McDonald  held 
twenty-eight  services.  From  the  opening  to  the  close,  God's 
presence,  mighty  to  save,  was  manifested.  The  interest 
was  marvellous.  The  church  was  peopled  with  eager, 
anxious,  hungering  listeners.  Many  ministers  and  hundreds 
of  laymen,  sought,  found,  and  entered  into  the  '  higher  life ; ' 
while  hundreds  sought  and  found  pardon,  and  were  glori- 
ously saved.  Hundreds  of  people  came  from  Louisville, 
Jeffersonville,  Cincinnati,  Indianapolis,  and  many  parts  of 
Indiana  and  Kentucky.    The  work  was  deep,  the  couver- 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


287 


sions  the  clearest,  the  sanctifications  the  most  marked  and 
joyous,  of  any  I  ever  saw  or  read  of.  Nothing  I  ever  saw 
equalled  this  meeting  in  volume  and  power ;  indeed,  if  fully 
reported,  it  would  make  a  profound  impression  the  world 
over." 

A  correspondent,  writing  from  New  Albany,  says : 
"  Messrs.  Inskip  and  McDonald  have  concluded  a  series  of 
meetings  here  ;  perhaps  the  most  powerful,  in  their  direct 
results,  of  any  religious  efforts  ever  put  forth  in  this  part 
of  the  West." 

The  meeting  closed  on  Thursday  night,  and  the  next 
morning  the  evangelists  left  for  Cincinnati,  stopping  over 
for  half  a  day  to  hold  a  service  in  the  spacious  Walnut  St. 
M.  E.  Church  South,  in  the  city  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  where 
God  revealed  his  power  in  the  salvation  of  many  souls.  Of 
this  meeting,  Mr.  DePauw,  who  was  present,  writes  :  "  Many 
of  the  pastors  and  earnest  laymen  of  the  M.  E.  Church 
South,  from  Louisville,  came  over,  caught  the  fire,  and  went 
home  aflame  for  Jesus ;  so  much  so  that  Bros.  Inskip  and 
McDonald  were  pressed  to  go  to  Louisville  to  hold  a  series 
of  meetings  there.  Other  engagements  prevented ;  but  they 
consented  to  and  did  hold  a  meeting  at  10  a.m.,  in  the  Wal- 
nut St.  M.  E.  Church.  At  this  meeting  every  preacher,  and 
most  of  the  leading  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  South, 
in  Louisville,  with  a  large  audience,  were  present.  At  the 
close  of  their  presentation  of  the  subject  of  holiness,  nearly 
the  entire  audience,  including  all  the  Methodist  preachers, 
stood  up  as  seekers  of  the  blessing.  On  Bro.  Tuskip's  in- 
vitation, all  the  preachers  and  people,  as  long  as  there  was 
room,  pressed  forward  and  knelt  down  —  earnestly  and  de- 
voutly seeking  the  blessing.  It  was  a  grand  and  glorious 
sight." 

Reaching  Cincinnati  Friday  night,  they  rested  until  Sun- 
day morning,  when  they  opened  a  ten-days'  campaign  in  the 


288 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


oYl  Wesley  Chapel.  The  church,  though  the  largest  Prot- 
estant church  building  in  the  city,  was  old  and  remote  from 
the  most  thickly  settled  residence  portions.  It  was  feared 
that  the  people  could  not  be  induced  to  attend.  But  not 
many  days  had  passed,  e'er  the  holding  capacity  of  tie 
venerable  chapel  was  tested  to  its  utmost  to  accommodate 
the  crowds  which  flocked  from  all  parts  of  the  city  and  the 
country  around.  No  outside  attraction  could  divert  the 
attention  of  the  people  from  the  church.  Henry  Ward 
Beecher,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Punshon,  lectured  in  the  city  during 
the  time,  but  on  the  nights  when  these  most  popular  speakers 
in  America,  lectured,  Wesley  Chapel  seemed  more  densely 
crowded  than  before.  The  Queen  City  was  most  profoundly 
moved,  and  large  numbers  were  saved. 

The  year  1873  was  memorable  in  the  annals  of  National 
Camp-meetings.  They  were  four  in  number,  and  widely 
separated,  —  at  Cedar  Rapids,  la. ;  Landisville,  Pa. ;  Mounds- 
ville,  W.  Va.,  and  Knnxville,  Tenn. 

The  local  committee  at  Cedar  Rapids,  consisting  of  twenty- 
two  ministers  and  laymen,  say  in  their  report:  "  We  rejoice 
in  the  fact,  that,  through  the  lucid  teachings,  loving  spirit, 
and  fervent  prayers  of  these  servants  of  God,  scores  of  min- 
isters who  were  '  groaning  after  perfection  of  love,'  have 
here  received  the  grace  that  saves  to  the  uttermost;  that 
many  of  our  people  likewise  have  been  'sanctified  wholly'; 
and  that  more  sinners  have  been  already  saved  at  this  camp 
meeting  than  is  usual  at  camp-meetings  which  have  aimed 
only  or  chiefly  at  that  result." 

There  were  some  incidents  connected  with  the  meeting  at 
Landisville  which  will  ever  make  it  memorable.  On  Friday 
night,  preparations  had  been  made  for  a  brother  to  preach, 
and  he  was  looking  to  God  for  direction.  While  on  their 
knees,  pleading  for  light  and  power,  some  of  the  brethren 
were  profoundly  impressed  that  preaching  should  be  dis- 


IN  LABORS  MO  RE  ABUNDANT. 


289 


pensed  with.  Mr.  Inskip,  entertaining  this  view,  rushed  to 
the  stand,  shouting  to  the  people  as  he  went,  "  Come  on ! 
Come  on  ! "  He  announced  that  there  would  be  no  preach- 
ing. A  special,  Divine  enduement  was  the  need  of  the  hour. 
He  asked  for  himself  the  prayers  of  the  congregation,  while 
he  went  down  into  the  straw.  He  was  followed  by  the 
members  of  the  Association.  It  was  an  hour  of  indescrib- 
able solemnity.  There  was  no  singing,  no  talking,  except 
to  God.  The  people  came  in  and  around  the  altar,  mingling 
their  prayers  and  tears  with  the  leader's.  After  a  long  time 
of  silent  waiting,  but  earnest  pleading,  Mr.  Inskip  requested 
the  people  to  quietly  retire  to  their  tents.  All  felt  the 
manifest  presence  of  God.  The  influence  of  that  service  of 
stillness  with  God,  was  more  potent  for  good  than  almost 
any  other  service  of  the  meeting. 

Another  scene  occurred,  which  was,  in  many  respects,  the 
most  thrilling  we  ever  witnessed  at  a  National  Camp-meet- 
ing. Mr.  Joseph  Barker,  a  converted  infidel,  gave  a  most 
graphic  account  of  his  falling  away  from  the  faith  of  Christ, 
and  his  recovery  and  salvation.  While  describing  his  pur- 
pose and  effort  to  examine  anew  the  claims  of  Christianity, 
to  seek  to  ascertain  the  true  nature  and  real  value  of  the 
teachings  and  spirit  of  its  founder,  his  words  very  deeply 
moved  all  hearts.  But  when  he  got  a  sight  of  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  that  view,  he  said,  "  melted  my  soul,  and  my  tears 
moistened  the  book  I  was  reading."  He  had  no  thought  of 
getting  to  Jesus,  but  as  he  looked  upon  Him,  he  appeared 
"the  chief  among  ten  thousand,  and  the  one  altogether 
lovely."  "  Then,"  said  he,  "  He  reached  out  His  hands  and 
took  bold  of  me,  and  I  took  hold  of  Him.  In  the  grapple 
for  life,  he  saved  me." 

The  people  listened  to  this  narration  of  experience  with 
almost  breathless  interest,  and  with  hearts  well  nigh  to 
bursting  with  emotion.    No  sooner  had  Mr.  Barker  closed, 


290 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


than  Mr.  Inskip,  full  of  excitement,  arose  and  said:  "  '  All 
hail  the  power  of  Jesus'  name ! '  Sing ! "  The  vast  audi- 
ence sprang  to  their  feet,  and  sang,  it  seemed,  as  never  be- 
fore.   The  first  verse  was  followed  by  the  second  •  — 

"  Let  every  kindred,  every  tribe,"  etc. 

This  done,  he  said  :  "  What  might  appear  extravagant  at 
ordinary  times,  becomes  proper  at  others."  He,  for  once, 
appreciated  the  wish  of  the  poet,  expressed  in  the  verse  of 
the  hymn,  — 

"  O  for  a  thousand  tongues  to  sing 
My  great  Redeemer's  praise! "  etc. 

The  congregation  almost  took  the  words  from  his  lips, 
and  such  a  volume  of  song  as  burst  forth  from  that  enrap- 
tured throng  has  seldom  been  heard  on  earth.  "  It  was," 
says  one  who  was  present,  "  rapture — bliss — heaven,  —  a  joy 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory."  Eev.  Dr.  F.  Hodgson,  who 
had  been  present  from  the  beginning  of  the  meeting,  as  an 
earnest  seeker  of  entire  sanctification,  could  not  longer  con- 
tain himself,  so  deep  were  his  emotions.  With  a  face  all 
aglow,  he  leaped  to  the  front  of  the  stand,  shouting  at  the 
top  of  his  voice  :  "  Shout!  Shout  !  this  is  the  time  for  hal- 
lelujahs/ What  are  hallelujahs  for,  if  not  for  an  occasion 
like  this ! "  His  attitude,  voice,  and  expression  of  counte- 
nance, all  combined  to  greatly  intensify  the  already  almost 
uncontrollable  excitement  of  the  people.  They  shouted,  they 
wept,  they  laughed  with  joy ;  while  Messrs.  Inskip,  Hodg- 
son, and  Barker  were  in  each  other's  embrace,  in  joyful  ex- 
ultation over  the  glory  of  the  Lamb  slain  to  redeem  us  to 
God  with  His  own  blood,  which  cleanses  us  from  all  un- 
righteousness. 

Landisville  was  the  birth-place  of  hundreds  of  souls,  and 
a  fountain  of  cleansing  for  many  more. 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


291 


No  sooner  had  the  final  benediction  been  pronounced,  than 
Mr.  Inskip  and  other  members  of  the  National  Association 
were  on  their  way  to 

MOUNDSVILLE,  WEST  Va., 

where  they  arrived  safely  Thursday,  Aug.  21.  Here  they  <- 
had  days  of  conflict,  and  days  of  power  and  victory.  The 
watchword  of  Mr.  Inskip  was  :  "  This  camp  must  be  taken 
for  Jesus."  And  there  were  days  when  the  whole  camp 
seemed  prostrated,  and  only  groans  and  prayers  were  heard, 
to  be  followed  by  men  and  women  being  smitten,  as  they 
walked,  and  stood,  and  listened.  The  work  at  Moundsville 
was  deep  and  far-reaching.  Many  then  saved,  stand  fast  in 
the  liberty  to  this  day. 

After  ten  days  of  toil  and  conquest  at  Moundsville,  a 
company  of  the  Association,  headed  by  Mr.  Inskip,  started 
for  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  to  repeat  the  efforts  of  the  previous 
year.  They  were  there  ten  days,  and  the  impression  made, 
and  the  fruit  gathered,  were  such  as  might  gladden  the  heart 
of  any  Christian.  Here  we  had  the  presence  and  labors  of 
Bishop  Gilbert  Haven.  Had  we  space,  we  should  be  glad 
to  present  a  few  pictures  of  character  and  experience  as 
they  were  developed  at  that  meeting. 

Near  the  close  of  a  deeply-interesting  altar  service,  where 
many  hearts  had  found  the  rest  of  faith,  and  joy  of  perfect 
love,  one  of  those  touching  incidents  occurred  which  melted 
all  hearts.  Mr.  Inskip  said :  "  I'm  getting  tired.  Let  us  be 
quiet ;  let  us  think  a  little  and  rest.  And  I'll  tell  you  what 
to  think  about,  if  you  will  sit  down  and  be  quiet."  He 
seated  himself  on  the  steps  of  the  platform,  and  there  was 
quiet  all  around.  He  continued  :  "  I  will  tell  you  what  to 
think  about.  It  is  this :  '  Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet, 
they  shall  be  white  as  snow.'  Did  you  hear  it  ?  I'll  repeat 
it  —  think  of  it :  '  Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shal  i 


292 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


be  white  as  snow.'  Let  us  sit  down  by  the  way-side  now 
and  rest.  Jesus  said  to  his  disciples,  '  Turn  aside  a  while 
and  rest.'  We  are  dispensing  with  all  struggling  and 
anxiety,  and  just  trusting.  Trusting  is  the  easiest  thing  in 
the  world.  When  I  get  quiet  in  this  way,  if  I  think  of  the 
Lord  corning  along  and  asking,  '  What  do  ye  here?'  I  in- 
voluntarily say,  '  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee.'  If  Jesus 
should  stand  on  that  platform,  asking,  '  Child,  what  do  ye 
here  ? '  I  should  say,  '  I've  got  by  all  the  struggling :  I  am 
just  sitting  by  the  way -side,  trusting.'  The  stream  is  run- 
ning this  way.  Just  let  it  gush.  I  know  this  shady  place. 
I've  been  here  before.  Just  open  your  eyes  and  see.  The 
stream  is  flowing  by.    Put  your  pitcher  in  and  drink." 

No  one  can  adequately  describe  the  effects  of  these  sim- 
ple utterances.  They  appeared  at  the  time  as  unaffected 
and  artless  as  a  child's  ;  as,  indeed,  they  were. 

With  Knoxville,  closed  the  camp-meetings  of  1873. 

The  evangelistic  work  of  the  season  almost  immediately 
commenced.  In  less  than  one  month,  the  "  big  tent"  was 
pitched  on  "  Belair  Lot,"  Baltimore,  near  the  mouth  of  hell, 
where  "  Satan's  seat  is."  And  here,  for  ten  days,  a  most 
earnest  and  persistent  war  was  waged  against  sin  and  Satan. 
The  victory  was  complete.  It  was  estimated  by  the  presid- 
ing elder  of  the  district,  that  more  than  four  hundred  souls 
were  converted,  and  a  still  larger  number  wholly  sanctified. 

On  Sunday  night  a  pouring  rain  fell  upon  the  tent,  and 
late  in  the  night  a  mighty  wind  smote  "its  four  corners,"  as 
it  did  the  house  of  Job,  and  the  great  tent,  which  had  gone 
from  ocean  to  ocean,  fell  a  shapeless  wreck.  The  meeting 
was  removed  to  Exeter-street  Church,  where  it  was  continued 
for  two  days,  and  closed. 

The  good  people  of  the  "  Monumental  City  "  contributed 
enough  to  procure  a  new  tent,  which  was  greatly  needed,  as 
the  old  one  was  nearly  used  up. 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


293 


On  the  thirtieth  of  October,  Messrs.  Inskip  and  McDonald 
commenced  a  profitable  service  in  the  Union  M.  E.  Church, 
Charlestown,  Mass.,  Rev.  C.  L.  Eastman,  pastor. 

Leaving  his  associate  to  conduct  meetings  at  Norwich, 
Ct.,  and  Lawrence,  Mass.,  Mr.  Inskip  and  his  wife  at  the 
same  time,  held  a  ten-days'  meeting  in  Dr.  Levy's  Church 
(Baptist),  in  West  Philadelphia,  where  God  wrought  won- 
ders in  converting  and  sanctifying  the  people.  "  Never,  for 
a  generation,"  writes  Dr.  Levy,  "  will  this  meeting  be  for- 
gotten." 

After  concluding  the  work  in  Philadelphia,  they  spent  a 
week  in  Reading,  Penn.,  holding  meetings  in  the  Ebenezer 
M.  E.  Church. 

Dec.  7,  the  evangelists  met  again,  in  Boston,  where  they 
had  engaged  to  hold  a  ten-days'  meeting,  in  Grace  M.  E. 
Church,  Rev.  J.  W.  Hamilton,  pastor.  The  church  was 
packed  nightly  almost  to  suffocation,  and  the  meeting  was 
pronounced  one  of  the  best  ever  held  in  the  city.  While 
at  Grace  Church,  they  received  an  urgent  invitation  from 
Tremont-street  M.  E.  Church,  Boston,  Rev.  Dr.  Townsend, 
pastor,  to  hold  a  series  of  meetings  there.  This  they  con- 
sented to  do.  It  proved  to  be  such  a  meeting  as  Tremont- 
street  Church  never  before  enjoyed,  but  greatly  needed.  It 
is  doubtful,  if  ever  Mr.  Inskip  preached  better,  under  the 
circumstances,  than  he  did  there. 

From  Boston,  they  proceeded  to  Columbus,  Ohio.  Here 
they  held  a  series  of  meetings  in  the  Town  St.  M.  E. 
Church,  and  Wesley  Chapel, —  Dr.  Trimble,  pastor  of  the 
former,  and  Rev.  S.  A.  Keen,  of  the  latter.  Mr.  Keen,  in 
a  note  to  the  Western  Christian  Advocate,  says :  "  The 
capital  has  been  visited  with  a  Pentecost.  The  meeting 
held  here  by  Brothers  Inskip  and  McDonald,  has  been  one 
of  marvellous  power.  It  closed  on  Tuesday  evening,  with 
more  than  one  hundred  at  the  altar  seeking  full  salvation." 


294 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


In  reply  to  an  article  written  by  Prof  J.  P.  Lacroix, 
criticising  the  meeting  at  Columbus,  Mr,  Keen  says  :  "  What 
the  professor  calls  the  '  cockle,'  is  the  finest  of  the  wheat. 
I  find  in  the  wake  of  the  meeting,  a  quickened  and  em- 
powered church  ;  altars  crowded  with  penitents,  conversions 
by  the  score,  and  the  most  profound  religious  impression 
upon  the  mind  of  the  city  that  has  been  known  for  years. 
I  think  the  results  vindicate  the  men,  the  metnods,  and  the 
meeting,  as  of  God,  and  chosen  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Through  the  blessing  of  God,  these  brethren  have  be- 
queathed to  our  Methodism  here,  power,  freedom,  salvation. 
The  wheat  is  good  and  golden." 

At  the  close  of  the  meeting  in  Columbus,  Messrs.  Inskip 
and  McDonald  hastened  on  to  Cincinnati,  where  they  had 
engaged  to  hold  a  ten-days'  meeting  in  Wesley  Chapel,  where 
one  hundred  and  fifty,  at  least,  experienced  perfect  love. 

From  Cincinnati,  they  returned  to  New  York  City,  where 
they  conducted  meetings  at  Thirty-fourth  St.  M.  E.  Church, 
Rev.  J.  E.  Cookman,  pastor,  and  Seventeenth  St.,  Rev.  W. 
H.  Poole,  pastor. 

Though  Mr.  Inskip's  health,  at  the  beginning  of  the  year, 
was  regarded  as  extremely  precarious,  —  many  insisting 
that  he  should  desist  from  all  public  efforts,  aud  seek  quiet, 
for  at  least  one  year,  —  yet  he  was  able  to  conduct  four 
National  Camp-meetings,  one  tabernacle  meeting  in  Balti- 
more,  and,  with  his  associate,  hold  twelve  meetings  in  as 
many  different  churches,  beside  travelling  some  fifteen 
thousand  miles.    The  year  was  one  of  unusual  results. 

A  new  tabernacle  had  been  built  to  take  the  place  of  the 
old  one  which  had  been  destroyed  in  Baltimore.  As  the 
Baltimore  friends  had  contributed  to  this  end,  they  claimed, 
and  justly,  too,  that  the  new  tabernacle  should  be  erected 
and  dedicated  on  the  spot  were  the  old  one  fell.  This  was 
agreed  to,  and  May  27,  1874,  was  the  time  fixed  for  the 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


295 


dedication.  The  meeting  which  followed  the  dedication, 
continued  nine  days,  and  in  all  respects,  exceeded  that  of 
the  former  year.  Sunday  was  a  great  day  for  Baltimore. 
Mr.  Inskip  preached  in  the  forenoon  a  clear  and  convincing 
sermon  on  the  subject  of  entire  sanctification.  At  3 
o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  writer  preached.  The  sermon  was  followed 
by  an  exhortation  from  Mr.  Inskip,  which,  in  overwhelm- 
ing power,  was  seldom,  if  ever,  equalled  by  him.  Whites 
and  colored,  for  a  time,  gave  way  to  feelings  which  could 
not  be  controlled.  They  shouted,  they  wept,  they  clapped 
their  hands,  and  many  leaped  like  David  before  the  ark  of 
the  Lord.  It  seemed,  for  a  time,  that  the  congregation  was 
beyond  the  control  of  the  speaker  —  that  he  had  raised  a 
tempest  he  could  not  calm.  But  in  a  few  moments  all  was 
comparatively  quiet.  Nearly  the  entire  congregation,  num- 
bering thousands,  arose,  either  as  seekers  of  pardon  or 
purity.  It  was  remarked  by  many,  that  no  such  meeting 
was  ever  held  in  that  part  of  the  country. 

The  National  Camp-meetings  for  1874,  were  held  at 
Sterling,  Mass.,  Old  Orchard,  Me.,  and  Joliet,  111. 

A',  Sterling  they  nearly  lost  the  new  tabernacle  in  a 
storm.  The  meeting  was  blest  to  the  salvation  of  many. 
The  Old  Orchard  meeting  was  a  marked  success ;  and  the 
Joliet  meeting  was  a  season  of  spiritual  refreshing. 

September  19,  Mr.  Inskip  and  his  associate  commenced  a 
meeting  in  the  "Academy  of  Music,"  Providence,  B,.  I. 
Here,  for  some  ten  days,  the  work  of  God  was  pressed,  with 
very  encouraging  results. 

From  Providence  they  went  to  Pawtucket  where  they 
spent  a  few  days  profitably  in  the  Baptist  Church. 

Leaving  Pawtucket,  they  proceeded  to  Washington,  D.  G, 
where  they  held  a  tabernacle  meeting,  commencing  Oct.  25. 
Here  they  had,  for  a  day  or  two,  the  valuable  services  of 
Bishop  Peck.    So  deeply  interested  were  the  people  in  the 


296 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


meeting,  that  they  insisted  that  the  tabernacle  should  be 
stored  there,  in  order  that  another  meeting  might  be  held 
on  the  same  spot  in  the  early  spring. 

From  Washington  they  returned  to  South  Boston  —  Broad- 
way M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  W.  F.  Mallalieu,  pastor.  They  were 
received  cordially  by  pastor  and  people,  and  a  good  work 
was  done  for  the  church. 

Leaving  South  Boston,  their  next  place  of  labor  was  St. 
Louis.  Here  they  held  a  meeting  for  ten  days  in  the  Union 
M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  C.  A.  VanAnda,  pastor.  The  meeting 
was  opened  Sunday,  Nov.  29.  Though  much  good  was  ac- 
complished, the  meeting,  on  the  whole,  was  not  all  that  was 
expected  and  desired.  Many  regarded  it  as  a  great  success. 
Good  seed  was  sown,  much  prejudice  was  removed,  and  a 
goodly  number  were  converted  and  fully  sanctified. 

Their  next  meeting  was  held  in  Jacksonville,  111.  The 
First  Presbyterian  Church,  being  the  largest  in  town,  was 
kindly  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  evangelists;  but  the 
heating  arrangement  failing,  they  were  obliged  to  remove  to 
the  Centenary  M.  E.  Church.  Here  God  greatly  blessed 
their  labors. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip,  at  the  close  of  the  Jacksonville 
meeting,  conducted  services  for  a  few  days,  —  including  one 
Sabbath,  —  in  the  M.  E.  Church  in  Lincoln,  111.,  with  encour- 
aging results.    Their  next  field  of  labor  was 

Hamilton,  Canada. 

Messrs.  Inskip  and  McDonald  had  been  cordially  invited 
by  the  pastors  of  Hamilton,  Brantford,  Toronto,  and  Mon- 
treal, to  hold  meetings  for  the  promotion  of  holiness  in  the 
Methodist  churches  in  these  cities  and  towns.  The  first 
meeting,  in  Centenary  Church,  Hamilton,  Rev.  Hugh  John- 
ston, pastor,  commenced  Sunday,  Jan.  10,  1875.  The 
weather  was  extremely  cold,  but  the  people  thronged  the 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


297 


church.  In  the  evening  of  that  first  day,  it  was  estimated 
that  not  less  than  two  thousand  persons  were  in  attendance. 
The  meeting  continued  thirteen  days,  including  two  Sab- 
baths, and  they  were  days  of  power.  Mr.  Johnston  informed 
the  writer,  on  the  last  night  of  the  meeting,  that  not  less 
than  four  hundred  had  been  converted,  with  at  least  one 
hundred  penitents  at  the  altar  at  the  last  service.  Among 
those  converted,  were  from  fifty  to  sixty  of  the  students 
from  the  Female  College  in  town.  Some  fifty  students  from 
the  Male  Collegiate  Institute  of  Dundas,  were  present,  most 
of  whom  were  at  the  altar  as  seekers  of  pardon  ;  and  many 
of  them  professed  conversion.  The  number  of  souls  fully 
sanctified  during  the  meeting,  we  have  no  means  of  knowing. 

Messrs.  Inskip  and  McDonald  spent  four  days,  including 
one  Sabbath,  in  Brantford,  while  Mrs.  Inskip  remained  in 
Hamilton,  to  press  the  battle.  Their  services  in  Brantford 
were  divided  between  the  two  Methodist  churches  of  the 
town.  Though  the  weather  was  cold  and  stormy,  the  attend- 
ance was  good,  and  many,  we  trust,  found  the  Lord. 

They  next  proceeded  to  Toronto,  where  they  held  union 
services  in  the  Metropolitan,  Berkeley  St.,  Richmond'  St., 
and  Elm  St.  Methodist  churches.  Rev.  John  Potts,  pastor 
of  the  Metropolitan  Church,  received  tbem  with  a  cordiality 
which  was  refreshing.  Rev.  Mr.  Jeffery,  of  Richmond  St., 
Rev.  Mr.  Shaw,  superintendent  of  the  circuit,  aod  pastor  of 
Berkeley  St.,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Hunter,  of  El  a  St.,  were  not 
behind  in  their  hearty  co-operation.  They  were  one  week  in 
each  church.  The  congregations  were  exceptionally  large. 
The  Metropolitan,  capable  of  accommodating  from  twenty- 
five  hundred  to  three  thousand  persons,  was  packed  with  a 
company  of  as  earnest  seekers  of  God  as  they  had  ever 
found.  On  the  last  night  of  the  meeting  in  that  church, 
not  less  than  one  thousand  persons  presented  themselves  as 
seekers  of  pardon  and  purity.    It  was  a  night  never  to  be 


298 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


forgotten.  It  was  the  cause  of  great  regret  that  Mrs  Inskip 
was  so  disabled  by  a  severe  cold  that  she  could  not  conduct 
the  usual  services,  in  which  she  had  always  been  so  success- 
ful. On  account  of  Mrs.  Inskip's  health  and  the  severity  of 
the  weather,  they  were  not  able  to  respond  to  the  invitation 
from  Montreal,  which  they  greatly  regretted. 

The  work  for  1875  opened  with  a  tabernacle  meeting  in 
Washington,  D.  C.  Mr.  Inskip,  notwithstanding  his  ex- 
haustive labors  during  the  winter,  looked  as  vigorous  and 
ready  for  work  as  ever.  Dr.  Newman,  pastor  of  the  Metro- 
politan M.  E.  Church,  gave  them  his  most  hearty  support, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  tabernacle  meeting,  cordially  invited 
Mr.  Inskip  and  his  associates  to  hold  similar  services  in  his 
church,  an  invitation  which  they  accepted,  and  continued 
their  meetings  there  for  five  days. 

The  National  Camp-meetings  for  1875,  were  four  in  num- 
ber, —  Fern  wood,  Pa.,  Urbana,  O.,  Old  Orchard,  Me.,  and 
Wesley  Grove,  near  Newburgh,  N.  Y.  We  pass  these  meet- 
ings with  the  remark  that  Fornwood  was  a  new  ground ; 
indeed,  intended  for  nothing  more  than  a  temporary  meet- 
ing. But  the  meeting  was  all  that  could  have  been  expected, 
under  the  circumstances.  Of  the  practical  and  immediate 
results  of  the  Urbana  meeting,  as  a  whole,  a  correspondent 
says:  "It  is  almost  an  impossibility  to  write  in  commensur- 
ate terms.  It  was  a  time  of  the  marvelous  outpouring  of 
God's  Spirit  upon  his  servants  and  upon  his  handmaids, 
according  to  the  blessed  promise  set  before  the  people  in 
the  opening  sermon  of  Bro.  Inskip."  The  meeting  at  Old 
Orchard,  was  in  all  respects  superior  to  the  one  previously 
held  there,  which  is  sayiug  much  in  its  favor.  Wesley 
Grove  was  reported  as  equal  to  any  held  during  the  season. 

During  the  fall  and  early  winter,  Messrs.  Inskip  and 
McDonald,  aided  by  Rev.  J.  E.  Searles,  held  a  very  success- 
ful meeting  in  Trenton,  N.  J.  Bev.  M.  Walton,  the  pastor 
of  the  church,  pronounced  it  a  glorious  success. 


CHAPTER  XXx. 


THE  EDITOR  AND  EVANGELIST. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Publishing  Association,  in 
November,  1875,  it  was  made  clear  to  all  that  the  publishing 
interests  of  the  Association,  were  becoming  greatly  em- 
barrassed, and  that  unless  some  method  of  retrenchment 
was  adopted,  utter  failure  was  in  the  near  future.  To  com- 
pass this  end,  in  part,  and  relieve  a  little  friction  at  some 
points,  the  editor  of  the  Advocate  of  Holiness  resigned  his 
position  for  the  purpose  of  electing  Rev.  G.  Hughes  to  fill 
the  place.  Mr.  Hughes  had  served  as  associate  editor  of 
the  Christian  Standard  and  Home  Journal,  of  which  Rev. 
A.  Lowrey,  D.  D.,  was  editor.  This  change  gave  the  editor 
of  the  Advocate  of  Holiness  an  opportunity,  which  he  had 
long  desired,  of  devoting  himself  exclusively  to  evangelistic 
work.  Dr.  Lowrey  was  elected  editor  of  the  Christian 
Standard.  As  Mr.  Hughes'  entire  services  would  not  be 
needed  on  the  Advocate,  he  was  appointed  as  Dr.  Lowrey's 
assistant  on  the  Christian  Standard.  This  arrangement 
reduced  the  expenses  to  the  amount  of  the  salary  of  one 
editor,  and  was  understood  to  be  satisfactory  to  all  parties. 
But  very  soon  after  the  adjournment  of  the  meeting,  Mr. 
Hughes  declined  to  serve  Dr.  Lowrey  as  an  assistant,  accord- 
ing to  the  arrangement  at  the  annual  meeting,  and  Dr.  Low- 
ray  demanded  that  an  assistant  be  furnished,  as  he  had  a 
right  to  do. 

While  these  matters  were  becoming  more  and  more  unset- 

299 


300 


LIFE  OF  JOnX  S.  IXSKIP. 


tied,  the  business  of  the  Association  was  becoming  alarm- 
ingly involved,  until  it  was  admitted  that  it  was  on  the  verge 
of  bankruptcy.  The  stock  was  regarded  as  utterly  worth- 
less. Dr.  Lowrey  was  still  urging  that  an  assistant  be  fur- 
nished him,  to  which  he  was  justly  entitled,  and  Mr.  Hughes, 
who  had  been  appointed  as  his  assistant,  declined,  claiming 
that  his  whole  time  was  needed  on  the  Advocate. 

A  meeting  of  the  directors  was  called  to  consider  the  sit- 
uation, and  not  having  a  quorum,  adjourned.  Another 
meeting  was  called,  as  the  peril  was  becoming  imminent. 
The  directors  came  together,  but  what  to  do,  no  one  seemed 
to  know.  Dr.  Lowrey  had  seated  that  the  concern  could  not 
hold  out  more  than  thirty  days,  and  that  he  was  ready  to 
resign,  or  do  anything  which  the  members  judged  proper. 
Eev.  E.  I.  D.  Pepper  remarked  that,  as  it  would  not  appear 
courteous  to  ask  either  one  of  the  editors  to  resign,  he  would 
suggest  that  they  both  do  so  voluntarily.  Whereupon 
both  Dr.  Lowrey  and  Mr.  Hughes  voluntarily  resigned.  But 
what  was  to  be  done  now,  was  the  question. 

Hon.  W.  C.  DePauw,  president  of  the  Publishing  Asso- 
ciation, had  written  to  Mr.  Inskip,  asking  him  to  consent  to 
take  the  management  of  the  business.  The  brethren,  learn- 
ing Mr.  DePauw's  wishes,  and  receiving  from  Mr.  Inskip  an 
intimation  that,  under  the  circumstances,  he  would  consent 
to  do  so,  proceeded  at  once  to  elect  him  editor  of  the  Chris- 
tian Standard,  and  then  editor  of  the  Advocate  of  Holiness, 
—  Mr.  Hughes  casting  his  vote  for  the  chauge.  At  a  sub- 
sequent meeting,  he  was  elected  business  agent,  —  thus  im- 
posing upon  him  the  labor  which  three  men  had  found  it 
difficult  to  perform,  and  he  partially  broken  in  health.  Mr. 
Inskip  proved  himself  master  of  the  situation.  He  made 
his  "  salutatory  "  in  the  Standard  January  29,  1876,  and  in 
the  Advocate  March  of  the  same  year.  He  held  the  position 
of  editor  of  the  Christian  Standard  from  that  time  to  the 
time  of  his  death. 


THE  EDITOR  AND  EVANGELIST. 


301 


We  make  these  explanations  with  no  intention  of  reflect- 
ing upon  any  one.  But  it  is  due  the  character  of  the  dead 
that  we  should  state  how  he  came  to  the  position  of  editor 
and  agent  of  the  National  Publishing  Association.  It  was 
a  question  of  the  success  or  failure  of  the  National  Pub- 
lishing Association  —  a  question  of  life  or  death. 

In  a  private  note  to  his  wife,  he  says :  — 

"My  Dearest  Wife, — In  the  midst  of  the  novelties  of  my  new 
position,  I  sit  clown  to  drop  you  a  line.  All  my  brethren  insist  I  am 
where  I  should  be,  and  that  it  is  the  assurance  of  success  and  pros- 
perity. I  atn  glad  that  no  one  can  suspect  me  of  any  kind  of  improper 
motive  or  management  in  the  affair.  Praise  the  Lord  for  that!  But 
God  is  in  it,  and  all  the  brethren  seem  to  approve  and  rejoice." 

When  Mr.  Inskip  took  charge  of  the  business,  as  we  have 
intimated,  it  could  not  have  been  in  a  worse  condition. 
There  was  a  debt  of  thirty  thousand  dollars  on  the  real  es- 
tate, and  some  twelve  thousand  dollars  or  more  of  floating 
debts,  and  the  concern  running  behind  every  month  in  its 
current  expenses.  It  required  nerve  and  skill  to  pilot  the 
craft  safely  through  such  threatening  breakers.  For  a  time, 
Mr.  Inskip  did  not  know  what  the  outcome  would  be ;  but 
he  addressed  himself  energetically  to  the  task,  and  nobly 
did  he  succeed.  At  his  death,  all  the  floating  debts  of  the 
concern  had  been  paid,  and  the  mortgage  on  the  real  estate 
had  been  reduced  some  ten  thousand  dollars,  leaving  the 
stock  of  the  company  at  well  nigh  its  par  value. 

Some  brethren,  whom  we  must  believe  were  sincere,  re- 
garded themselves  as  misused,  by  being  suddenly  removed. 
But  had  not  the  change  come  when  and  as  it  did,  the  whole 
business  would  have  been  wrecked,  and  reproach  would 
have  rested  upon  all.  The  day  of  eternity  will  reveal  that 
John  S.  Inskip,  and  all  who  were  intimately  associated  with 
him,  did  what  they  honestly  believed  was  for  the  glory  of 


302 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


God,  with  "  malice  towards  none."  And  the  results  have 
proved  that  they  wrought  wisely. 

This  change  took  Mr.  Inskip,  to  some  extent,  out  of  the 
evangelistic  field.  Except  in  a  few  instances,  he  confined 
his  outside  labors  mainly  to  National  Camp-meetings. 

During  the  year  1876,  in  addition  to  editing  the  Christian 
Standard,  and  acting  as  business  agent  of  the  National 
Publishing  Association,  Mr.  Inskip  found  time  to  attend 
four  National  Camp-meetings;  viz.,  Wisconsin,  near  Mil- 
waukee ;  Shelter  Island,  N.  Y. ;  Wesleyan  Grove,  N.  Y., 
and  Old  Orchard,  Me. 

The  first-named  meeting  was  not  a  remarkable  success, 
though  many  were  greatly  helped.  The  second  was  not 
largely  attended,  being  somewhat  aside  from  the  people; 
but  it  was  a  most  excellent  meeting.  The  third  was,  in  all 
respects,  a  first-class  meeting,  and  will  long  be  remembered 
as  a  Bethel  to  many  souls.  The  fourth,  Old  Orchard,  was 
equal  to  any  of  its  predecessors,  which  is  saying  much  for 
its  spirit  and  fruitage. 

Mr.  Inskip  continued  to  edit  the  Advocate  of  Holiness  for 
about  five  months ;  when,  finding  it  a  tax  upon  his  energies 
which  he  could  not  sustain,  requested  the  writer  to  assume 
the  editorial  management  of  the  same.  He  did  so,  and  has 
retained  the  position  up  to  this  time. 

The  National  Camp-meetings  for  1877,  were  held  at  Clear 
Lake,  la. ;  Chester  Heights,  Pa.,  and  Framingham,  Mass. 
In  attending  the  Clear  Lake  Camp-meeting,  Mr.  Inskip  was 
accompanied  by  Revs.  John  Thompson,  John  A.  Woud,  and 
the  writer.  To  avoid  Sunday  travel,  they  spent  the  Sabbath 
at  Harrisburg,  preaching  in  the  several  Methodist  Churches. 
At  Chicago,  Messrs.  Inskip  and  Thompson  went  to  Doty's 
Island,  Wis.,  to  attend  a  State  Camp-meeting,  while  Mr. 
Wood  and  the  writer  continued  on  to  Red  Rock,  Minn.,  to 
attend  a  State  Camp-meeting  held  there.    They  met,  how- 


THE  EDITOR  AND  EVANGELIST. 


303 


ever,  at  Clear  Lake,  July  10,  to  commence  the  first  National 
for  the  season.  It  was  a  remarkable  gathering.  The  tide 
of  spiritual  interest  rose  higher  and  higher  with  each  suc- 
ceeding day  of  the  meeting,  until  every  barrier  was  swept 
away,  and  the  place  seemed  flooded  with  salvation.  One 
writer  says :  "  Not  an  opposing  voice  was  heard ;  not  an 
act  performed  which  evidenced  a  disposition  to  antagonize 
the  doctrine  or  experience,  except  in  a  single  instance,  and 
that  proved  to  be  more  in  appearance  than  in  heart.  More 
persons,  including  ministers  and  people,  entered  into  the 
experience  of  perfect  love,  than  we  have  ever  known,  with 
the  same  attendance,  at  any  National  Camp-meeting  yet 
held.  Scarcely  a  person  remained  who  was  not  either  en- 
joying or  earnestly  seeking  the  blessing  of  heart  purity." 

Chester  Heights  Camp-meeting  came  at  an  unfavorable 
time.  It  was  in  the  midst  of  that  fearful  national  railroad 
"  strike,"  when  all  safe  railroad  travel  was  suspended,  and 
life  was  everywhere  in  great  peril.  Many  who  had  engaged 
tents,  countermanded  their  orders,  and  remained  a1--  home ; 
and  the  public  mind  was  in  a  state  of  great  excitement,  not 
knowing  what  a  day  would  bring  forth. 

Notwithstanding  these  serious  drawbacks,  the  meeting 
commenced  on  time,  and  grew  in  spiritual  interest  to  the 
end,  and  so  far  as  could  be  learned,  there  was  universal  sat- 
isfaction expressed  with  its  conduct  and  spirit. 

The  meeting  at  South  Framingham,  Mass.,  which  was  the 
last  for  the  season,  was  fairly  attended,  highly  spiritual,  and 
fruitful  in  results. 

During  the  months  of  November  and  December,  Mr.  In- 
skip  took  charge  of  two  holiness  conventions  which  met, 
the  first  in  Cincinnati,  Nov.  27,  and  the  second  in  New  York 
Dec.  11.  These  conventions  were  well  attended,  and  very 
profitable  to  many. 

The  summer  campaign  of  1878  included  a  tabernacle 


304 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


meeting  at  Putnam,  Conn. ;  a  National  Camp-meeting  at  Clear 
Lake,  Iowa ;  a  second  at  New  Castle,  Pa.,  and  a  third  at 
Epping,  N.  H.  Mr.  Inskip  took  charge  of  the  tabernacle 
meeting  at  Putnam,  Conn.,  assisted  by  Messrs.  J.  A.  Wood, 
A.  McLean,  J.  B.  Foote,  and  the  writer.  This  meeting  was 
managed,  financially,  by  Deacon  G.  M.  Morse,  and  was  in 
all  respects  a  success.  Never  was  Putnam  so  profoundly 
moved.  Such  was  the  interest  towards  the  close,  that  it  was 
with  difficulty  that  the  services  could  be  arrested.  They 
continued  on  until  12  o'clock  at  night. 

On  their  way  to  Clear  Lake,  Mr.  Inskip  and  Rev.  J.  A. 
Wood  spent  a  few  days  at  Doty's  Island  Camp-meeting, 
then  came  on  to  Clear  Lake,  where  the  first  National  Camp- 
meeting  for  the  season  commenced  July  10.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  Oakiugton,  we  never  suffered  as  much  from  tlie 
heat  as  at  Clear  Lake.  There  was  little  or  no  let-up  from 
the  beginning  to  the  end.  The  attendance  was  very  large, 
some  coming  in  wagons  a  distance  of  two  hundred  miles. 
One  man  walked  a  distance  of  one  hundred  miles,  not  being 
able  to  pay  railroad  fare.  The  spirit  of  holiness  spread 
with  unexampled  power.  Everybody  seemed  delighted  with 
the  spirit  of  the  meeting.  Bishop  Peck,  who  was  with  us, 
expressed  very  great  satisfaction  with  what  he  saw,  heard, 
and  enjoyed. 

From  Clear  Lake  we  returned  to 

New  Castle,  Pa., 

where  the  second  National  for  the  season  was  to  be  held. 
The  meeting  opened  in  the  usual  manner.  The  people  came 
out  at  first  to  see  and  hear,  much  as  they  would  have  at- 
tended a  menagerie,  —  they  gazed,  and  smiled,  and  went 
away  more  amused  than  impressed.  Then  they  listened 
and  wondered,  and  retired  to  discuss  and  dispute,  until  the 
city  seemed  stirred  with  excitement.    Finally,  a  new  and 


IN  LABORS  MORE  ABUNDANT. 


305 


blessed  truth  flashed  upon  them ;  viz.,  that  the  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ  could  cleanse  from  all  sin,  and  that  it  was  their 
privilege  to  be  cleansed.  Never  was  deep-seated  prejudice 
so  generally  removed.  The  people  submitted  to  Christ,  and 
many  of  them  were  abundantly  saved. 

Mr.  Inskip,  wife,  and  the  writer,  had  received  an  invita- 
tion to  attend  the  Ohio  State  Camp-meeting,  held  at  Mans- 
field, 0.,  July  29,  to  which  they  cordially  responded.  After 
spending  a  few  pleasant,  but  exceedingly  laborious  days, 
there,  they  made  their  way  to 

Epping,  N.  H. 

This  meeting  was  held  between  the  Sabbaths,  commencing 
Monday,  Aug.  29,  at  noon.  But  as  none  of  the  National 
Association  could  reach  the  place  so  early  on  Monday,  con- 
sequently the  first  service  was  conducted  by  brethren  of  the 
local  association.  The  crowd,  on  certain  days,  at  this  meet- 
ing, was  immense.  No  ordinary  voice  could  reach  them,  — 
not  even  Mr.  Inskip's.  The  meeting,  on  the  whole,  was  not 
what  it  ought  to  have  been,  nor  what  it  might  have  been 
had  longer  time  been  given  to  it. 

For  the  year  1879,  it  was  resolved  by  the  National  Associ- 
ation to  hold  seven  camp-meetings.  Mr.  Inskip  attended  all 
except  Douglas,  Mass.  Messrs.  Inskip,  McLean,  Simmons, 
and  the  writer,  left  Philadelphia  June  15,  for  Bismarck 
Grove,  near  Lawrence,  Kansas,  where  the  first  National  for 
the  season  was  to  be  held.  They  spent  the  Sabbath  with 
Hon.  W.  C.  DePauw,  New  Albany,  Ind.  Here  they  joined 
Dr.  G.  D.  Watson,  pastor  of  Centenary  M.  E.  Church,  who 
accompanied  them  to  Kansas.  After  a  pleasant  Sabbath's 
worship  in  the  churches  of  New  Albany,  early  Monday 
morning  they  were  away  for  the  farther  West.  Reaching 
St.  Louis  at  8  p.  m.,  they  were  in  time  to  take  the  night 


306 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


train  for  Kansas  City,  where  they  arrived  about  noon  the 
next  day,  and  at  Lawrence  a  little  later  in  the  day. 

The  meeting  was  not  above  the  usual  type.  There  were 
about  twenty  ministers,  and  not  less  than  two  hundred 
members,  fully  sanctified,  with  some  fifty  conversions,  and  a 
"  Southwestern  Holiness  Association  "  organized. 

Dr.  Watson  and  Mr.  Simmons  returned  home  at  the  close 
of  the  Bismarck  Grove  Caaip-meeting,  wbile  Mr.  Inskip 
and  the  writer  went  on  to  Bennett,  Neb.,  to  attend  the 
National  Camp-meeting  commenced  there  July  9.  It  opened 
with  a  stirring  sermon  from  Mr.  Inskip,  who  seemed  to  be 
in  the  best  of  spirits  all  through  the  services.  The  meeting 
continued  seven  days,  Mr.  Inskip  and  the  writer  preaching 
five  sermons  each. 

From  Lincoln  they  returned  eastward.  Messrs.  Inskip  and 
Henderson  going  to  Sewickley,  Pa.,  to  attend  the  Fortieth 
National,  while  the  writer  hastened  homeward  to  attend  the 
Forty-first  at  Douglass,  Mass. 

These  meetings  concluded,  the  brethren  met  at  Summit 
Grove,  Md.  This  was  a  hard-fought  field,  and  a  marked 
victory  was  achieved.  Up  to  Friday  night,  there  was  not 
much  success,  but  on  that  night  Divine  power  fell  on  the 
people,  and  they  fell  before  the  Lord.  For  an  hour  or  more 
the  famous  Monday  night  at  Manheim  was  repeated.  Large 
numbers  were  converted  and  wholly  sanctified,  and  on  to  the 
close  the  work  was  glorious. 

The  meeting  concluded  Monday  night,  at  about  10  o'clock, 
and  at  10.30  Mr.  Inskip  and  the  writer  took  the  cars  for 
Urbana,  0.,  to  attend  the  Forty-third  National  Camp-meet- 
ing, Aug.  13.  The  crowd  at  Urbana  was  immense,  the  order 
good,  the  spiritual  results  most  encouraging. 

The  meeting  did  not  close  until  Thursday  night,  but  Mr. 
Inskip  and  the  writer  were  obliged  to  leave  on  Wednesday 
night,  to  assist  Messrs.  Wood  and  Jones,  who  were  pushing 


THE  EDITOR  AND  EVANGELIST. 


307 


the  battle  at  the  Forty-fourth  National  at  New  Castle,  Pa., 
leaving  Dr.  VanAnda  and  others  to  take  charge  of  the 
meeting  at  Urbana.  Fifteen  hours  of  riding  and  waiting, 
brought  thern  to  New  Castle,  where  they  found  Bros.  Wood 
and  Jones  making  a  successful  fight  with  sin  and  Satan.  Mr. 
Inskip  and  his  associate  were  nearly  exhausted,  but  they 
did  their  best  to  push  the  battle.  The  meeting  was  a  grand 
moral  triumph.  It  closed  Monday  morning,  and  the  com- 
pany immediately  left  for  home. 

With  New  Castle,  closed  our  National  Camp-meetings  for 
the  season.  All  must  see  that  the  strain  upon  Mr.  Inskip 
must  have  been  immense.  Still,  after  a  little  rest,  he  seemed 
ready  again  for  work. 

In  the  winter,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip  went  South,  and  did 
effective  service  in  Spartansburg  and  Charleston,  S.  C, 
Augusta  and  Savannah,  Ga.,  and  Richmond,  Va.  The 
writer  spent  two  weeks  with  him  in  Charleston,  and  wit- 
nessed a  most  remarkable  work  of  grace. 

This  brings  us  up  to  the  last  National  Camp-meeting  be- 
fore leaving  for  India,  and  that  will  be  considered  in  the 
next  chapter. 

We  have  thus  followed  Mr.  Inskip  through  his  camp-meet- 
ing and  evangelistic  labors,  in  part.  Much  of  it  we  are 
obliged  to  omit  for  want  of  space.  The  history  of  the 
National  Camp-meetings,  properly  written,  and  by  one  who 
has  observed  them,  would  be  one  of  the  most  inspiring 
volumes  of  the  times.  Mr.  Inskip,  through  these  great 
National  gatherings,  has  made  his  impress  upon  the  age,  and 
he  must  go  down  to  posterity  as  one  of  God's  special  agents  in 
spreading  Scriptural  holiness  over  all  lands ;  and  as  one  of 
the  most  remarkable  religious  leaders  of  the  age. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


abound  the  world. 
England. 

It  was  reserved  for  the  members  of  the  National  Camp- 
meeting  Association  to  plan,  and  carry  into  execution,  an 
evangelistic  tour  around  the  world.  A  Macedonian  call  had 
come,  once  and  again,  from  England,  Ireland,  and  other 
points,  to  come  over  and  help  them.  But  the  way  did  not 
seem  to  open,  nor  had  the  time  arrived. 

Rev.  W.  B.  Osborn,  presiding  elder  of  the  Bombay  Dis- 
trict, South  India  Conference,  became  impressed  that  Mr.  In- 
skip  and  some  of  the  members  of  the  National  Association, 
should  visit  India.  In  a  letter,  dated  March  1,  1879,  ad- 
dressed to  Mr.  Inskip,  and  published  in  the  Christian  Stand- 
ard and  Home  Journal,  April  26,  Mr.  Osborn  says :  "  The 
special  object  of  this  letter  is  to  propose  an  '  Around-the- 
world  evangelistic  tour  with  the  tabernacle.'  Start  in  the 
spring  and  come  to  England  ;  spend  the  summer  and  early 
autumn  in  Great  Britain ;  then  to  India,  crossing  the  con- 
tinent of  Europe,  holding  a  meeting  at  Rome  and  perhaps 
at  other  points.  On  reaching  Alexandria,  take  a  run  of  two 
or  three  weeks  to  Jerusalem,  and  a  few  other  poiDts  of 
greatest  interest  in  Palestine ;  return  to  Alexandria  and 
down  the  Red  Sea,  and  so  on  to  Bombay  ;  and  after  a  ten- 
days'  campaign,  then  by  railroad  to  the  Northwest,  where  a 

808 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


309 


meeting  would  accommodate  our  North  India  brethren,  as 
well  as  those  of  our  Conference  in  that  part  of  the  country, 
say  at  Lucknow  or  Allahabad.  Then  to  Calcutta,  where  we 
have  a  regular  Sunday-evening  congregation  of  from  ten  to 
twelve  hundred,  in  Dr.  Thoburn's  church.  From  Calcutta 
to  Madras,  another  of  the  largest  cities  of  India;  from 
Madras  to  Australia,  and  after  that,  across  the  Pacific  to  our 
old  battle-ground  in  the  Golden  State ;  then  after  a  spring 
campaign,  across  the  mountains  and  the  desert  in  time  for 
the  usual  summer  work  in  the  States,  stopping,  of  course, 
at  Salt  Lake  City  to  give  the  'twin  relic  of  barbarism' 
another  blow. 

"  Now  is  not  this  a  good  programme  for  the  year  1880  ? 
Pray  over  it  and  see  if  God  does  not  sanction  this  advanced 
movement.  I  believe  it  would  accomplish  far  more  for  God 
and  the  salvation  of  men,  than  you  and  those  who  might 
accompany  you,  could  accomplish  in  any  other  way.  Your 
coming  would  be  hailed  with  pleasure.  .  .  .  God  bless  you 
and  lead  you  to  a  right  decision." 

This  was  the  first  call  to  India  and  around  the  world,  for 
the  express  purpose  of  spreading  Scriptural  holiness. 

Nearly  a  month  later,  Bro.  Inskip,  in  an  editorial  in  the 
Christian  Standard,  said  :  "  Some  people  who  read  the  sug- 
gestion of  our  good  brother  Osborn,  in  regard  to  an  evan- 
gelistic trip  around  the  globe,  will  probably  deem  it  a  wild, 
dreamy  idea.  But  it  is  not  the  first  instance  in  which  this 
enthusiast  has  been  in  advance  of  the  times  and  people 
about  him.  Some  persons  are  now  reaping  the  benefit  of 
his  far-reaching  sagacity  at  Ocean  Grove,  who  in  the  early 
stage  of  its  history,  deemed  it  the  most  quixotic  scheme 
ever  undertaken.  They  are  likely  to  look  upon  this  with 
the  same  kind  of  feeling.  Still,  we  would  advise  them  not 
to  be  in  too  much  haste  to  express  their  dissent.  The  taber- 
nacle is  ready,  several  persons  are  now  preparing  matters 


310 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  WSKIP. 


with  reference  to  this  movement.  .  .  .  The  writer  can  see  far 
enough  ahead  to  say  to  his  old  friend,  the  Lord  willing,  we 
are  coming  !  We  may  expect  to  be  ridiculed,  and  the  whole 
plan  be  deemed  the  product  of  a  wild  imagination.  But 
persons  on  the  route,  who  read  this,  may  begin  to  look  out 
for  a  place  where  the  tabernacle  can  be  pitched,  and  the 
1  one-idea  band'  have  an  opportunity  to  proclaim  the  doctrine 
and  experience  of  Christian  holiness.  The  men  and  women 
needed  for  the  expedition  are  at  command,  and  the  money 
required  for  the  expense  will  be  provided." 

Referring,  subsequently,  to  this  matter,  he  says :  "  For 
mere  scientific  explorations  and  inquiry,  or  the  gratification 
of  a  desire  for  seeing  the  world,  we  would  not  even  cross 
the  Atlantic.  But  an  errand  for  the  promotion  of  holiness, 
has'  attractions  we  cannot  describe." 

While  holding  a  National  Camp-meeting  at  Bismarck 
Grove,  near  Lawrence,  Kausas,  Mr.  Inskip  received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  H.  Gordon,  residing  in  Rome,  express- 
ing their  great  joy  at  the  announcement  of  the  "  Around-the- 
world  tour,"  and  offering  the  hospitalities  of  their  home  in 
Rome. 

Statements  were  made  from  time  to  time,  in  regard  to  the 
probable  expenses  of  the  trip,  and  the  time  required  to 
make  the  journey.  The  sacrifice  and  toil  involved,  and  the 
expense  incurred  in  such  a  trip,  quite  staggered  the  faith  of 
many.  But  others  favored  the  movement,  and  gave  it  their 
co-operation  and  support.  Amanda  Smith,  who  was  laboring 
in  England,  at  the  time,  on  seeing  a  report  in  the  Christian 
(England)  of  the  contemplated  trip,  said :  "  If  I  can  pray 
them  through,  I  will." 

W.  B.  Osborn  writes  again  from  India,  urging  the  matter 
on,  and  giving  additional  information  in  regard  to  the  trip. 

When  the  question  came  before  the  members  of  the  Na- 
tional Association,  they  all  seemed  to  think  well  of  the 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


311 


movement,  but  each  one  could  discern  grave  difficulties  in  the 
way.  The  risk  to  the  health  and  lives  of  the  brethren 
seemed  greater  than  should  be  taken,  while  the  financial 
question  appeared  insuperable.  It  was  finally  settled,  that 
if  the  friends  of  holiness  in  different  parts  of  the  country 
should  be  moved  to  meet  the  expenses,  it  would  be  taken  as 
a  clear  providential  indication  of  a  commad  to  go  for- 
ward. The  company  was  to  consist  of  J.  S.  Inskip,  W. 
McDonald,  and  J.  A.  Wood,  and  their  wives,  —  six  in  all. 
The  friends  were  asked  to  make  their  contributions,  and  to 
report  to  either  of  the  brethren  before  named.  The  ques- 
tion of  means  was  soon  placed  beyond  doubt,  and  it  was 
settled  that  the  company  would  leave  early  in  the  summer 
of  1880. 

On  the  fourteenth  of  October,  the  Ocean  Grove  Associa- 
tion, at  its  annual  meeting,  passed  resolutions  favoring  the 
"  evangelistic  tour."  They  are  "  persuaded  that  the  brethren 
are  following  lines  of  duty  and  action  suggested  by  Provi- 
dence," and  "  prayerfully  commend  them  to  the  Divine  guid- 
ance and  care."  Bro.  Inskip  responded  to  the  resolutions, 
"  in  a  vein  of  tender  Christian  love,  assuring  them  of  his 
kindly  feeling  towards  them  all,  and  his  lasting  gratitude 
for  their  warm  expressions  of  fraternal  regard."  Then  was 
sung,  with  great  fervency  of  spirit, 

"Waft,  waft,  ye  winds  His  story,"  etc. 

Mr.  Inskip  was  not  without  his  conflicts  in  regard  to  the 
undertaking.  He  says :  "  The  adversary  seeks  to  disturb 
our  quiet  assurance  of  heart  by  referring  to  the  sacrifice, 
exposure,  and  toil,  the  movement  involves.  We  had  reached 
a  period  in  life  when  nature  ordinarily  needs  and  covets 
rest.  It  seemed  that,  after  so  long  a  period  of  active  and 
exciting  toil,  we  might,  in  all  good  conscience,  'turn  aside 
and  rest.'    Our  plans  were  nearly  all  matured  with  such  a 


312 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  8.  INSKIP. 


view,  when  a  voice  came  to  us  from  India,  then  from  Rome, 
and  finally,  as  we  believe,  from  God,  calling  us  to  a  wider 
and  more  laborious  field  of  labor  than  we  have  ever  occu- 
pied. We  named  the  matter  to  the  partner  of  our  'comforts 
and  our  toils,'  and  she  at  once  discerned  the  Divine  hand  in 
the  matter,  and  simply  but  emphatically  said, '  We  shall  go! ' 
We  then  communicated  with  brothers  McDonald  and  Wood, 
who  seemed  immediately  to  recognize  the  call  to  be  from 
the  Lord;  and  we  agreed,  if  God  and  our  friends  would 
open  the  way,  we  would  go,  and  commenced  making  arrange- 
ments accordingly." 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  National  Association  was  held 
on  the  ninteenth  of  November.  The  question  of  the  "  around- 
the- world  tour"  was  fully  and  freely  discussed.  After  much 
prayer,  and  a  thorough  inquiry  into  all  the  bearings  of  the 
question,  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  were 
adopted :  — 

"  Whereas,  Some  of  our  brethren  have  determined  upon  an  'Evan- 
gelistic tour  around  the  world,'  the  coming  season,  therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  should  they,  in  the  Providence  of  God,  undertake 
this  tour,  we  cordially  sympathize  with  them,  and  prayerfully  com- 
mend them  to  God  and  the  word  of  His  grace,  that  they  may  be  safely 
kept  amid  the  perils  of  sea  and  land,  and  be  instrumental  in  the  con- 
version and  sauctification  of  thousands  of  souls." 

The  meeting  was  one  of  profound  interest.  Some  of  the 
brethren  were  quite  sure  we  had  probably  met  for  the  last 
time  ;  that  some  of  the  company  would  likely  never  return. 
The  last  half  hour  was  spent  in  solemn  prayer,  led  by  Bro. 
T.  T.  Tasker,  who  seemed  inspired  to  talk  with  God  on  our 
behalf.  The  doxology  was  sung,  and  a  Divine  baptism 
seemed  to  fall  upon  all  present. 

Dr.  Thoburn  wrote  from  Calcutta,  saying :  "  Your  pro- 
posed trip  is  exciting  interest  in  India.  I  fear,  however, 
you  are  forgetting  how  big  our  world  is,  when  you  propose 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


313 


to  finish  your  tour  in  one  year.  Still,  you  can  do  much  good 
by  giving  heavy  blows  at  a  few  important  points." 

At  an  annual  camp-meeting  at  Lucknow,  the  people,  by  a 
rising  vote,  adopted  a  resolution  cordially  welcoming  the 
company  to  India.  The  North  India  Conference,  which 
met  in  January,  1880,  passed  the  following  preamble  and 
resolution  — 

"  Whereas,  We  have  heard  with  great  pleasure  that  our  dear 
brethren,  Revs.  J.  S.  Inskip,  W.  McDonald,  and  J.  A.  Wood,  with 
others,  are  proposing  to  visit  India  some  time  this  year,  in  their 
'evangelistic  tour  around  the  world,'  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  we  will  heartily  welcome  them  to  these  shores,  and 
will  co-operate  with  them  to  the  best  of  our  ability,  boping  that  they 
will  arrange  to  hold  as  many  meetings  as  possible  within  our  bounds, 
and  that  they  will  make  a  special  endeavor  to  be  present  at  our  next 
session  at  Bareilly. 

E.  W.  Parker,  Pres. 
B.  H.  Badley,  Sec'y." 

Near  the  same  time,  the  South  India  Conference  passed 
the  following  resolution  of  welcome  :  — 

"  Resolved,  That  we  have  heard  with  pleasure,  of  the  proposed  visit 
of  Rev.  J.  S.  Inskip  and  others  to  India,  in  connection  with  their 
'  evangelistic  tour  around  the  world,'  and  hereby  assure  them  of  our 
hearty  co-operation  during  their  stay  among  us. 

G.  Bowen,  Pres. 

W.  J.  Gladwin,  Sec'y." 

During  the  winter  of  1879,  and  the  spring  of  1880,  Mr. 
Inskip  and  wife  were  laboring  with  great  success  in  the 
South.  We  have  already  made  reference  to  these  meetings. 
After  a  return  to  Philadelphia,  from  his  exhaustive  labors 
in  the  South,  he  says :  "  The  greatest  luxury  we  can  conceive 
of  is  working  for  the  Master.  Working  for  Him  is  entirely 
more  joyous  and  satisfactory  than  to  work  for  the  church, 


314 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


for  an  idea,  or  for  self.  We  have  tried  all  these,  but  have 
tound  our  chief  bliss  in  toiling  for  Jesus." 

Preparations  were  all  perfected  for  the  tour,  —  passage 
engaged,  and  the  party  ready  to  move  as  soon  as  the  National 
Camp-meeting  at  Round  Lake  should  be  held.  The  New- 
York  East  Conference,  at  its  session  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  by 
resolution,  express  its  "  full  confidence  in  the  moral  and 
religious  character  of  Bro.  J.  S.  Inskip,  and  unhesitatingly 
commend  him  to  the  fellowship  of  all  who  love  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ."  They  "wish  him  and  his  wife  a  prosperous 
journey  and  safe  return."  Bishop  Bowman,  presiding, 
"  heartily  endorses  the  above,  and  prays  God's  blessing  upon 
Bro.  Inskip  and  his  work." 

Bishop  Simpson  sent  to  Mr.  Inskip  the  following  note  :  — 

"  Philadelphia,  April  22,  1880. 
"  Dear  Bro.  Inship,  —  I  enclose  herewith  a  note  which,  though  you 
need  no  commendation  from  me,  may  possibly  be  of  some  service  to 
you  under  some  circumstances. 

"  Praying  that  the  health  and  life  of  yourself  and  wife  may  be  graci- 
ously preserved  during  your  contemplated  journey,  I  am, 

"Yours  truly,  M.Simpson." 

"  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  say  that  Rev.  John  S.  Inskip,  is  a  minister 
of  good  standing,  as  well  as  of  age  and  experience,  in  the  New  York 
East  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  I  have  known 
him  well  for  many  years  as  an  active,  devoted  and  efficient  laborer  in 
the  Lord's  vineyard.  In  his  visit  to  foreign  countries  he  is  accom- 
panied by  Mrs.  Inskip,  who  is  also  well  known  to  the  church  as  an 
tamest  and  successful  Christian  lady,  who  has  been  of  great  service 
in  assisting  in  protracted  and  revival  services.  They  are  both  com- 
mended to  the  courtesy  of  Christian  friends,  and  the  blessing  of  God 
is  invoked  upon  them.  M.  Simpson, 

Bishop  of  the  M.  E.  Church," 

The  New  England  Conference  pass  similar  resolutions  in 
regard  to  W.  McDonald. 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


315 


The  time  fixed  for  the  camp- meeting  at  Round  -  Lake  was 
June  12.  We  had  arranged  to  sail  June  26,  in  the  Alsatia, 
of  the  Anchor  Line ;  but  were  informed,  after  all  our  ar- 
rangements were  made,  that  the  Alastia  would  sail  on  the 
nineteenth.  Our  engagements  at  Round  Lake  rendered  it 
impracticable  for  us  to  leave  on  the  nineteenth,  so  we  were 
obliged  to  make  other,  and,  as  it  proved,  more  satisfactory 
arrangements,  with  the  National  Line,  to  sail  in  the  steam- 
ship Erin,  June  26. 

At  the  camp-meeting,  the  "  Round-the-world  tour "  was 
made  the  burden  of  many  prayers.  Indeed,  thousands  of 
the  best  people  on  earth  were  making  its  success,  the  one 
object  of  their  daily  prayer  to  God.  The  meeting  was  a 
grand  success,  and  closed  on  Sunday  night,  in  the  midst  of 
unexampled  joy.  The  fact  could  not  be  suppressed,  how- 
ever, that  there  was  more  or  less  of  sadness  mingled  with 
the  joy.  We  were  forcibly  reminded  that  many  days  of  toil 
and  peril  would  pass  e'er  we  should  meet  again,  if,  indeed, 
we  should  ever  meet  on  earth.  But  we  were  trusting  in  the 
God  whose  presence  and  power  was  in  India,  as  well  as  in 
America,  —  the  God  of  the  sea  as  well  as  of  the  land. 

The  brethren  met  in  New  York,  where  they  spent  a  day 
or  two  preparatory  to  leaving.  A  parting  service  was  held 
at  the  Asbury  M.  E.  Church,  at  which  pleasant  addresses 
were  made,  and  parting  salutations  exchanged.  Several 
friends,  who  did  not  compose  the  "  evangelistic  company " 
proper,  accompanied  us  to  England,  and  one  to  India  ;  viz., 
Miss  Mattie  Foote,  daughter  of  Rev.  J.  B.  Foote,  of  the 
National  Association ;  Miss  Davis,  her  travelling  companion ; 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turton,  of  Cleveland,  O. ;  Rev.  W.  A.  Gardiner, 
and  William  McDonald,  jr. 

On  Saturday  morning,  June  26,  after  a  memorable  prayer- 
service  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Shaffer,  our  host,  we  went  on 
shipboard,  to  meet  a  large  company  of  friends  who  had 


316 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


assembled  to  bid  us  adieu,  and  witness  our  departure.  At 
three  minutes  past  8  a.  m.,  the  noble  ship,  of  nearly  five 
thousand  tons,  cast  off  her  moorings  and  moved  out  to  sea, 
amidst  the  waving  of  handkerchiefs,  and  the  singing,  from 
deck  and  dock,  "  The  sweet  bye  and  bye."  It  was  an  hour 
of  peculiar  interest  to  the  evangelistic  party,  and  not  much 
less  so  to  many  whom  they  left  behind.  We  are  sure  that 
more  earnest  prayers  never  followed  any  company  leaving 
the  American  shores. 

The  voyage  from  New  York  to  Liverpool,  which  was 
made  in  thirteen  days,  had  in  it  little  which  would  interest 
the  general  reader.  We  will  name  only  two  incidents.  The 
second  Sabbath  was  the  fourth  of  July,  and  some  young 
American  bloods  on  board  were  anxious  to  "celebrate." 
The  captain,  C.  H.  Andrews,  refused  to  allow  any  demon- 
strations on  the  holy  day,  but  assured  them  that  on  Mon- 
day they  should  be  allowed  full  liberty,  and  that  he  would 
render  them  any  aid  in  celebrating  the  day,  except  furnish- 
ing gunpowder.  On  the  morning  of  the  fifth,  a  goodly  com- 
pany assembled  in  the  cabin.  It  seemed  an  odd  place  for 
such  a  service.  But  nearly  all  seemed  to  enjoy  the  celebra- 
tion. An  Episcopal  clergymen  from  Philadelphia  offered 
prayer.  The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  read  by  a 
Jewish  lawyer.  An  opportunity  was  then  given  for  remarks. 
A  Canadian  gentleman,  who  claimed  to  be  an  army  officer 
and  pedagogue,  was  not  pleased  with  the  arraignment  of 
King  George,  and  came  forward  to  defend  him  against  the 
charges  preferred  in  the  "Declaration."  He  frankly  ac- 
knowledged that  he  himself  had  never  read,  and  this  was 
the  first  time  he  had  ever  heard  read,  the  immortal  instru- 
ment. The  bombast,  coupled  with  the  almost  unexampled 
ignorance,  of  a  man  of  his  professed  intelligence,  called 
Mr.  Inskip  to  his  feet.  It  was  such  a  case  as  he  was 
peculiarly  fitted  to  deal  with.    In  a  brief  speech,  full  of 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


317 


good  humor,  but  withering  sarcasm,  he  perfectly  annihilated 
our  Canadian  friend,  to  the  great  delight  of  nearly  all  pres- 
ent. The  singing  of  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner"  and 
"  God  Save  the  Queen,"  closed  a  very  enjoyable  hour  on  the 
high  seas. 

On  our  fifth  day  out,  we  were  enveloped  in  dense  fog.  As 
the  sun  was  setting,  the  fog  lifted,  just  in  time  to  reveal  to 
us  a  huge  iceburg  directly  in  our  path.  A  mile  and  a  half 
away  floated  a  mountain  of  ice,  150  feet  high,  and  not  less 
than  1000  feet  square.  Such  was  its  effect  upon  the  tempera- 
ture, that  the  mercury  fell  from  83  to  40.  We  changed  our 
course  and  safely  passed  the  danger,  and  in  a  few  moments 
were  again  enveloped  in  as  dense  fog  as  before.  It  seemed 
a  providential  interference  to  save  us  from  destruction  ;  for 
had  the  fog  remained,  in  a  few  moments  longer  we  should 
have  planted  our  ship's  bow  against  the  huge  mass. 

We  arrived  in  Liverpool  at  midnight,  on  the  eighth  of 
July,  being  our  fourteenth  night  on  shipboard.  Early  the 
following  morning,  we  landed,  and  at  11  A.  m.,  took  cars  on 
the  Northwestern  Railway  for  London,  where  we  arrived  at 
4  p.  m.,  and  were  met  and  kindly  taken  charge  of  by  Bros. 
Warner  and  Senior, — the  latter,  pastor  of  Surrey  Chapel; 
the  former,  a  successful  evangelist. 

The  first  meeting  conducted  by  the  evangelists  in  England, 
was  under  the  auspices  of  the  Primitive  Methodists,  and  was 
held  in  the  famous  Surrey  Chapel,  located  in  the  south  of 
London,  on  Blackfriar's  Road,  once  regarded  as  the  "  very 
paradise  of  devils."  They  received  a  warm  greeting  at  the 
old  chapel,  by  leading  brethren  engaged  in  the  work  of 
spreading  Scriptural  holiness  in  England, — among  them, 
Dr.  Asa  Mahan,  Admiral  Fishbourne,  Dr.  Smith,  Rev.  I.  E. 
Page,  Rev.  Dr.  Antliff,  Drs.  Hurd  and  McKechnie,  W.  War- 
ner, and  many  others.  The  meeting  commenced  July  11, 
and  continued  sixteen  days.    The  locality  was  unpropitious. 


318 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


The  street  was  so  noisy  that  it  was  very  difficult  for  the 
people  to  hear  with  any  degree  of  comfort.  The  congre- 
gations were  small  at  the  beginning,  and  there  was  neither 
altar  nor  any  arrangement  for  altar  service.  The  pews  were 
high  and  narrow,  and  on  the  whole,  they  seemed  as  incon- 
veniently situated  as  they  well  could  be.  No  harder  spot 
could  have  been  selected.  Numbers  increased  daily,  and 
with  them,  spiritual  interest.  Considering  the  limited  at- 
tendance, we  have  never  known  so  many  souls  converted  or 
fully  sanctified.  Ministers  and  laymen  came  six,  eight,  and 
ten  miles,  and  some  a  much  greater  distance,  to  enjoy  the 
meeting.  A  large  number  of  ministers,  travelling  and  local, 
were  fully  saved.  The  closing  service  developed  the  deep 
gratitude  of  the  people,  for  the  services  rendered.  The 
president  of  the  conference,  Rev.  Mr.  McKechnie,  poured 
out  his  full  soul  in  gratitude  to  God,  saying  that  the  meet- 
ing had  been  such  a  blessing  to  him  as  he  had  never  known 
before. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  General  Committee,  composed  of  the 
president  of  the  Primitive  Methodist  Conference,  and  several 
of  their  leading  men,  who  have  charge  of  all  connectional 
matters  in  the  interim  of  the  conference,  Mr.  Inskip  and  his 
party  were  invited  to  be  present.  The  president,  after 
making  some  very  kind  and  appreciative  remarks,  read  the 
following  paper :  — 

Subrey  Chapel,  July  23,  1880. 
"  The  General  Committee  of  the  Primitive  Methodist  Connection, 
and  our  American  Visitors,  —  This  Committee,  many  of  whose  mem- 
bers have  attended  the  religious  services  conducted  by  the  Revs. 
Messrs.  Inskip,  McDonald,  and  Wood,  in  Surrey  Chapel,  rejoices  to 
acknowledge  these  brethren  as  true  and  faithful  servants  of  our  com- 
mon Lord  and  Saviour,  and  bears  willing  testimony  to  the  good  al- 
ready effected  by  their  labors,  in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  and  the 
sane  ti  Scat  ion  of  believers  ;  and  while  this  Committee  always  abstains 
from  giving  countenance  to  unauthorized  evangelists  and  revivalists, 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


319 


whose  movements  are  too  often  productive  of  mischief  to  the  churche-, 
it  yields  unhesitating  approval  and  sympathy  to  these  brethren,  who 
are,  beyond  all  doubt,  men  of  reputation  and  intelligence,  and  who, 
for  considerably  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century,  have  had  a  good 
standing  in  the  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  Amer- 
ica ;  and  the  committee  also  prays  that  the  Great  Head'" of  the  Church 
may  clearly  open  their  way  to  further  fields  of  usefulness,  and  abun- 
dantly prosper  their  mission  of  holiness  all  around  the  world. 
"  Signed  in  behalf  and  by  order  of  the  General  Committee, 

John  C.  McKechnie,  President. 
Samuel  Antliff, 
William  Cutts, 
kobinson  cheesmaw, 
Ralph  Fenwick." 

With  a  pleasant  evening  call  on  Rev.  Mr.  McAuley,  ex- 
President  of  the  Wesleyan  Conference,  at  Finsbury  Park, 
and  a  visit  to  the  Wesleyan  Conference,  in  session  at  City 
Road  Chapel,  the  party  proceeded  to  Malton,  Yorkshire,  to 
hold,  by  invitation,  a  meeting  in  the  Wesleyan  Chapel  of 
that  town,  stopping  a  few  days  for  rest  at  Matlack  Bank. 
They  commenced  their  meeting  at  Malton,  Sunday,  Aug  1. 
The  day  was  propitious,  and  the  people  were  in  an  expectant 
state,  looking  for  great  things.  The  superintendent  of  the 
circuit,  Rev.  Mr.  Edmond,  was  not  only  a  firm  believer  in 
the  doctrine  of  holiness,  but  enjoyed  its  experience.  Mr. 
Inskip  preached  the  opening  sermon.  He  looked  a  little 
out  of  place  in  a  pulpit  ten  or  twelve  feet  high,  and  only 
large  enough  to  hold  one  man  of  ordinary  size.  But  the 
Lord  gave  him  great  liberty,  and  the  altar  service  which 
followed,  resulted  in  the  salvation  of  several  souls.  There 
was  a  good  deal  of  liberty  in  the  afternoon  ;  and  Mr.  Wood 
preached  in  the  evening  to  a  packed  house.  The  sermon 
was  followed  by  Mr.  Inskip,  and  the  altar  was  again  crowded 
with  seekers. 

The  meeting  continued  for  eleven  days,  increasing  in  in- 


320 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INUAlf. 


erest  to  the  last.  Mr.  Inskip  had  unusual  liberty,  though 
laboring  under  great  trial  on  account  of  the  severe  illness  of 
Mrs.  Inskip,  who  had  taken  a  violent  cold  in  London,  and 
renewed  it  at  Matlack  Bank.  But  prompt  medical  aid  and 
special  care  relieved  her,  and  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  she 
was  able  to  leave  with  the  company.  Many  of  the  ministers, 
travelling  and  local,  with  leading  members  of  the  church, 
were  fully  saved.  Local  preachers  and  laymen  came  a  hun- 
dred miles  to  attend  the  meeting,  and  returned  to  publish 
the  news  of  their  complete  deliverance  from  sin.  At  the 
closing  service,  eighty  gave  a  clear  testimony  to  heart 
purity,  and  seventy  more  arose  to  declare  that  God  had  fully 
saved  them,  not  having  had  opportunity  to  speak.  Besides 
these,  scores  from  the  country  had  attended  the  meeting, 
been  saved,  and  returned  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  to 
tneir  friends.  It  was  generally  admitted  that  Malton  had 
never  before  been  blessed  with  such  a  work  of  grace. 

Meeting  in  Leeds. 

The  third  meeting  in  England  was  held  in  Leeds.  It 
seemed  proper  that  a  band  of  American  Methodist  and  holi- 
ness evangelists  should  preach  the  gospel  of  full  salvation 
in  Leeds,  —  the  city  where  the  seraphic  Fletcher  made  his 
first  public  confession  that  he  was  "dead,  indeed,  unto  sin"; 
the  city  from  which  the  sainted  Bramwell  was  almost  in- 
stantly translated  to  his  heavenly  home,  and  the  city  in 
which  the  Wesleyan  Conference  met,  which  decided  to  send 
Boardraan  and  Pilmore,  missionaries  to  the  spiritually-famish- 
ing sheep  in  the  American  wilderness.  Arrangements  were 
made  by  Messrs.  Wooley  and  Beckworth,  local  preachers,  — 
the  former  of  the  Wesleyan,  and  the  latter  of  the  Primitive 
Methodist  Church,  —  for  the  party  to  hold  meetings  in 
Belle  Vue,  Primitive,  and  St.  Peter's  Wesleyan,  chapels. 
They  spent  four  Sabbaths  in  Leeds,  two  at  each  of  the 


AROUND  TEE  WORLD. 


321 


chapels  named,  beginning  with  Belle  Vue.  The  Primitive 
Chapel  was  new,  modern  in  structure,  and  beautiful;  the 
Wesleyan  was  old,  dingy,  antiquated,  and  nearly  forsaken. 
The  party  was  received  with  the  greatest  possible  cordiality, 
and  the  opening  service  at  Belle  Vue  gave  evidence  of  the 
Divine  approval.  Mr.  Inskip  was  greatly  helped  in  urging 
the  injunction,  "  Be  ye  holy."  "  Our  first  Sabbath  in  Leeds," 
writes  Mr.  Inskip,  "gave  us  great  encouragement  to  look  for 
a  large  amount  of  fruit."  Each  day,  as  the  meetings  pro- 
gressed, the  interest  increased,  and  scores  crowded  the  altar 
at  each  service,  as  earnest  seekers  of  pardon  or  purity. 

Mr.  Inskip,  though  an  Englishman  by  birth,  found  it  not 
a  little  difficult  to  adjust  himself  to  English  usages.  He 
says  :  "  We  do  not  so  easily  adopt  English  phraseology;  yet 
we  are  learning.  We  begin  to  say  'chapel'  instead  of 
'church,'  and  'communion  rail'  instead  of  'altar,'  etc. 
Nevertheless,  as  we  have  already  said,  we  pass  tolerably 
well  for  an  Englishman,  always  excepting  when  a  regular 
National  Camp-meeting  gale  is  on  hand,  and  then  our  Ameri- 
canisms at  once  develop." 

One  of  the  remarkable  features  of  the  work  here  was  the 
large  number  of  ministers,  travelling  and  local,  who  entered 
into  the  experience  of  full  salvation. 

The  meeting  at  St.  Peter's  (Wesleyan)  was  in  all  respects 
equal  to  Belle  Vue,  and  in  some  respects,  superior.  That 
old  chapel,  which  had  been  well  nigh  deserted  for  years, 
was  crowded  nightly,  with  as  earnest  worshippers  as  can  be 
found ;  and  at  each  service  the  altar  was  crowded  with  all 
classes,  —  aged,  young,  sinners,  believers,  —  and  a  common 
blessing  came  to  them  all.  Mr.  Inskip,  as  well  as  the  other 
members  of  the  party,  were  favored  with  great  liberty  and 
freedom  of  utterance.  The  second  Sabbath  at  St.  Peter's 
was  certainly  a  remarkable  day.  The  evening  service  was 
conducted  by  Mr.  Inskip.    The  altar  service  which  followed 


322 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IXSKIP. 


the  sermon  was,  perhaps,  an  occurrence  such  as  few  persons 
have  ever  witnessed.  Fifteen  hundred  people  arose  and 
avowed  their  acceptance  of  Christ  as  their  complete  Saviour. 
The  effect  produced,  as  they  arose,  and  solemnly  proclaimed 
their  faith  in  the  Lamb  of  God,  was  amazing.  The  altar 
was  crowded,  and  the  pews  far  back  were  filled  with  the 
most  earnest  seekers.  People  were  saved  at  the  altar,  out 
in  the  congregation,  and  in  the  galleries ;  indeed,  from  ah 
parts  of  the  house,  the  shout  of  victory  and  salvation  was 
heard.  The  whole  town  seemed  moved  by  the  power  of 
God.  The  company  was  urged  to  remain,  but  duty  required 
that  they  push  on  to  other  fields.  They  left  Leeds  amidst 
•  the  benedictions  of  the  people,  stopping  only  to  dine  with 
Bro.  Wooley  and  family  at  Garforth. 

Meeting  at  Hull. 

"Our  opening  at  Hull,"  writes  Mr.  Inskip,  "was  as 
remarkable  as  our  closing  in  Leeds."  Here  they  held  meet- 
ings in  two  chapels,  both  Primitive,  —  Bourne  Chapel,  and 
Great  Thornton-street  Chapel.  The  whole  party  were  in 
good  health  and  spirits.  Mrs.  Inskip  had  greatly  improved, 
while  at  Leeds,  and  she,  with  the  other  ladies  of  the  party, 
were  able  to  take  their  part  in  the  services.  The  meetings 
at  Hull  were  in  every  respect  a  success  —  a  great  success ; 
both  chapels  were  thronged  by  day  and  night,  and  seldom 
have  we  witnessed  a  people  more  earnest  for  the  truth.  One 
evening,  not  less  than  thirty  professed  conversion,  and  one 
hundred  professed  the  fulness  of  salvation.  It  was  found 
that  Great  Thornton-street  Chapel,  though  thirteen  or  four- 
teen hundred  could  be  packed  into  it,  was  too  small  to 
accommodate  the  crowds  that  flocked  there.  At  times,  at 
least  one  thousand  were  turned  away  who  could  not  gain 
admittance.  The  meeting  was  returned  to  Bourne  Chapel, 
where  not  less  than  twenty-five  hundred  assembled  daily. 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


323 


The  services  at  the  two  chapels  lasted  twelve  days,  and  at  a 
low  estimate,  not  less  than  seven  hundred  were  converted 
and  sanctified.  The  superintendent  of  the  circuit,  Rev.  Mr. 
Lamb,  estimated  the  number  at  one  thousand.  Long  will 
the  old  town  of  Hull  remember  the  holiness  meetings  held 
at  Bourne  and  Great  Thornton-street  Chapels. 

Mr.  Inskip,  during  these  services,  was  in  the  best  of  spirits, 
full  of  life  and  power.  In  fact,  the  whole  party  were  in  the 
best  possible  condition  for  work. 

Meeting  at  Middlesbrough. 

The  company  left  Hull,  Sept.  17,  for  Middlesbrough,  a 
distance  of  one  hundred  miles,  to  meet  an  engagement  made 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Swanell,  superindendent  of  the  Wesleyan 
Chapels  of  that  city  of  seventy  thousand  inhabitants.  Mr. 
Swanell  was  a  cousin  of  Mr.  Inskip's. 

Sunday,  the  nineteenth,  services  commenced  in  Centenary 
Chapel,  Mr.  Inskip  preaching  the  opening  sermon,  with  very 
marked  results.    The  day  was  full  of  blessing  to  the  people. 

Mrs.  Inskip,  on  coming  to  Middlesbrough,  had  a  relapse 
of  her  throat  and  lung  trouble,  and  it  became  necessary  for 
her  to  leave.  On  Tuesday  morning,  Mr.  Inskip,  leaving  the 
work  with  Messrs.  McDonald  and  Wood,  took  his  wife  to 
Southport,  near  Liverpool,  the  great  sanitarium  of  the  north- 
west of  England,  where  she  might  be  under  proper  medical 
treatment.  The  meeting,  notwithstanding  the  absence  of 
the  leader,  continued  for  ten  days.  The  Centenary  Chapel 
became  too  small  for  the  crowds  that  assembled,  and  it  be- 
came necessary  to  remove  the  meeting  to  Wesley  Chapel,  a 
much  more  commodious  house  of  worship.  This,  also,  was 
filled,  untd  hundreds  were  turned  away,  not  being  able  to 
gain  admittance.  After  the  chapel,  which  could  accommo- 
date twenty-five  hundred,  was  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity, 
an  overflow  meeting  was  held  in  the  school-room,  several 


324 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


hundreds  crowding  into  it,  who  were  successfully  addressed 
by  Messrs.  Wooley  and  Dawson,  local  preachers.  In  the  ten 
days,  not  less  than  six  hundred  were  saved.  The  whole 
town  was  moved,  and  could  the  meeting  have  continued  ten 
days  longer,  three  times  that  number  might  have  been  made 
partakers  of  the  blessing  of  salvation.  But  we  were  obliged 
to  close. 

Southport  was  150  miles  away.  Leaving  Middlesbrough 
on  W  ednesday  morning,  the  party  arrived  at  Southport  at 
5  p.  m.  Mrs.  Inskip  had  considerably  improved,  though 
still  quite  feeble.  Mr.  Inskip  had  commenced  services  in 
the  Primitive  Methodist  Chapel  in  the  place,  which,  on  their 
arrival,  Messrs.  McDonald  and  Wood  assisted  in  conduct- 
ing for  a  few  days. 

Meeting  at  Liverpool. 

The  following  Sunday,  Messrs.  Inskip  and  Wood  com- 
menced protracted  religious  services  in  the  Everton  Road 
Chapel,  Primitive  Methodist,  Liverpool,  Rev.  Mr.  Travis, 
superintendent,  while  the  writer  remained  to  push  the  bat- 
tle at  Southport.  The  meeting  at  Everton  Road  continued 
two  weeks,  including  three  Sundays,  resulting  in  the  sal- 
vation of  five  hundred  souls ;  of  this  number  about  two 
hundred  were  converted.  It  was  a  repetition  of  what  was 
common  at  all  the  meetings.  On  account  of  the  sickness  of 
his  wife,  Mr.  Inskip  was  obliged  to  be  absent  a  part  of  the 
time.  But  when  present  he  rendered  very  effective  service. 
The  company  spent  one  hundred  days  in  England,  during 
which  time  they  conducted  more  than  two  hundred  public 
services,  resulting  in  the  salvation  of  not  less  that  three 
thousand  souls,  and  of  this  number,  at  least  eight  hundred 
were  converted.  Calls  for  service  came  from  all  parts  of 
England  —  from  Wesleyansand  Primitive;  but  the  company 
could  not  respond,  as  they  must  go  forward.    The  brethren 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


325 


plead  with  them  to  remain,  insisting  that  more  good  could 
be  accomplished  in  England  than  in  India.  But  they  had 
started  for  the  Orient,  and  could  not  be  persuaded  to  turn 
aside  from  their  original  purpose. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 
abound  the  world. 
Orient. 

The  evangelistic  party  left  Liverpool  on  Thursday,  Oct. 
19,  in  the  steamship  Hispania,  of  the  Anchor  Line,  one  of 
the  largest  ships  employed  in  the  India  service. 

A  large  company  of  friends  accompanied  us  to  the  ship, 
to  bid  us  good-by  and  a  hearty  God-speed.  As  we  passed 
out  of  our  dock  at  Birkenhead,  into  the  Mersey,  we  caught 
the  signs  of  the  adieus  signalled  from  our  friends  on  shore, 
who  continued,  so  long  as  they  could  see  us,  to  wave  their 
affectionate  farewells. 

The  commander  of  our  steamer,  James  Laird,  was  a  good- 
natured  Scotchman,  extremely  pleasant  and  obliging.  Our 
fellow  passengers  represented  the  pulpit,  the  stage,  and  the 
army,  —  all  professions  and  callings.  Three  days  of  uncom- 
fortable sea  life  brought  us  to  the  awful  Bay  of  Biscay,  and 
to  what  is  common  in  that  place,  a  big  storm.  Mr.  Inskip 
writes :  "  Reader,  did  you  ever  hear  of  the  '  Bay  of  Biscay '  ? 
Undoubtedly  you  have,  but  may  you  be  preserved  from  ever 
seeing  it,  or  sailing  on  it,  as  we  did.  .  .  .  Mrs.  Inskip  said 
the  storm  was  awful.  Bro.  Wood  averred  it  was  a  tremen- 
dous affair.  Bro.  McDonald  also  deemed  it  huge.  Mrs. 
McDonald  was  much  out  of  sorts  with  the  ship,  on  account 
of  her  rolling,  and  Mrs.  Wood,  notwithstanding  her  well- 
earned  reputation  as  a  good  sailoress,  broke  down  and  was 

826 


AROUND  TIIE  WORLD. 


327 


borne  away  by  the  common  opinion  that  we  had  consider- 
able of  a  storm.  We  caught  only  an  occasional  look  at 
Brother  Gardiner,  the  young  man  of  our  party.  He  very 
much  resembled  what  we  suppose  to  be  the  appearance  of 
the  '  last  rose  of  summer.'  Just  how  that  is  we  know  not, 
but  we  presume  it  to  be  of  a  faded  and  melancholy  hue." 
Mr.  Inskip  represents  himself  as  most  of"  the  time  under 
the  "  gag  law  of  the  place  and  occasion."  He  put  his  head 
above  decks  only  once  during  the  storm,  and  then,  with  a 
wild  look  at  the  foaming  sea,  as  it  dashed  its  waves  across 
our  deck,  he  hastily  retired,  excitedly  exclaiming,  "  Bay  of 
Biscay !  Bay  of  Biscay ! "  Three  days  of  fearful  storm 
greatly  prostrated  some  of  the  company.  But  Sunday 
morning  brought  a  calm  sea,  and  with  it,  sight  of  land,  for 
which  we  all  offered  thanksgiving  to  God. 

Monday  morning  the  steamer  rested  for  a  few  hours  for 
the  purpose  of  coaling,  giving  us  an  opportunity,  just  as  the 
sun  was  rising,  to  look,  for  the  first  time,  upon  the  towering 
form  and  frowning  batteries  of  the  world-renowned  "Bock 
of  Gibraltar."  It  was  worth  a  voyage  through  the  stormy 
Bay  to  witness  such  a  sight.  8ome  of  the  party  spent  a 
brief  time  on  shore,  looking  at  the  wonders  of  the  place, 
and  at  2  p.  m.,  they  steamed  out  of  the  beautiful  bay, 
through  the  fabled  "Pillars  of  Hercules,"  and  down  the 
Mediterranean.  We  were  eight  days  on  this  sea  of  two 
thousand  miles  in  length.  The  Spanish  shores  on  the  left, 
and  the  African  on  the  right,  were  equally  rough  and  moun- 
tainous. The  sea  was  calm,  the  air  was  balmy  and  refresh- 
ing, and  the  company,  having  fully  recovered  from  the 
effects  of  the  Bay  of  Biscay,  were  in  the  best  of  spirits, 
but  anticipating  the  furnace  heat  of  the  Red  Sea.  On  Fri- 
day they  passed  Malta,  and  on  Saturday,  Crete,  —  islands 
made  sacred  by  the  sufferings  endured  there  by  the  great 
Apostle  to  the  Gentiles.    Sunday,  a  beautiful  day,  Mr. 


328 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  IJVSKIP. 


Inskip  preached  a  sermon  which  deeply  impressed  his  hearers. 
Some,  as  we  subsequently  learned,  were  induced  under  the 
clear  statements  of  the  sermon,  to  renounce  skepticism,  con- 
ceding that  the  Chrsitian  religion  must  be  of  God. 

Tuesday  morning  found  us  at  Port  Said,  the  entrance  to 
the  famous  Suez  Canal.  Here  the  ship  remained  a  few 
hours  for  coaling,  allowing  the  company  ample  time  to  go 
on  shore. 

No  one  need  be  told,  who  visits  Port  Said,  that  he  is  in  a 
pagan  land,  as  it  is  mournfully  manifest  on  every  side. 
About  mid-day  we  entered  the  Canal.  As  night  came  on, 
we  were  obliged  to  haul  up,  as  vessels  are  not  allowed  to 
continue  their  voyage  in  the  Canal  at  night.  Here  we  rested 
in  the  midst  of  the  old  desert  of  Shur,  with  mountains  of 
sand,  hills  of  sand,  plains  of  sand  —  sand  like  an  intermin- 
able beach,  on  every  side,  and  as  far  as  human  vision  could 
extend.  The  following  evening,  at  about  six  o'clock,  we 
arrived  at  Suez,  at  the  head  of  the  gulf  by  that  name,  one 
of  the  northern  arms  of  the  Red  Sea,  and  near  the  point 
where  the  Israelites  made  their  crossing. 

The  Red  Sea  is  about  1200  miles  in  length,  and  with  the 
exception  of  the  Persian  Gulf,  is  considered  the  hottest 
place  in  the  world.  Though  we  passed  this  sea  in  the  most 
favorable  season  of  the  year,  we  saw  no  reason  for  denying 
the  statement.  We  were  eight  days  in  passing  through  the 
Eed  Sea,  arriving  at  Aden,  the  home  of  the  Queen  of  Sheba, 
Nov.  9.  Here  we  stopped  for  a  brief  time  to  take  in  coal, 
and  then  were  away  for  Bombay,  1664  miles  across  the 
Indian  Ocean,  which  distance  was  made  in  seven  days,  most 
of  the  way  against  head  winds  and  string  currents,  arriving 
at  Bombay,  Tuesday,  Nov.  16,  at  11.30  a.  m. 

As  our  ship  cast  anchor,  we  observed  a  small  steam-tug 
making  for  us,  and  as  she  swept  around  the  stern  of  our 
ship,  the  face  of  a  tall,  rod-headed,  good-natured,  enthusiastic 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


329 


Yankee  —  Eev.  W.  B.  Osborn,  —  could  be  seen,  and  very  soon 
heard.  With  him,  Eev.  D.  0.  Fox,  P.  E.,  Bros.  Eowe  and 
Shreeves,  pastors  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Osborn,  as  might  be  expected,  was  somewhat  noisy. 
Mr.  Inskip  could  not  easily  restrain  his  enthusiasm.  In 
fact,  there  was  a  good  deal  of  demonstration.  But  it  must 
be  remembered  that  our  company  were  ten  thousand  miles 
from  their  native  land,  and  had  now  been  at  sea  for  twenty- 
eight  days ;  and  to  meet  their  old  friends,  under  such  cir- 
cumstances, was  a  sufficient  justification  for  not  a  little 
demonstration. 

Our  luggage  was  soon  on  board  the  little  steamer,  and  as 
the  brethren  had  taken  along  with  them  a  custom-house 
official,  we  had  the  great  pleasure  of  escaping  the  usual  de- 
lay in  that  department.  In  a  few  moments  we  were  safely 
landed  in  Bombay,  and  proceeded,  without  delay,  to  our 
several  places  of  entertainment,  where  we  were  most  cordi- 
ally received. 

The  limits  of  this  memoir  do  not  allow  of  any  special 
description  of  the  country,  or  of  the  people,  but  only  a  brief 
history  of  our  work. 

On  Thursday  evening,  the  eighteenth,  the  brethren  of 
Bombay  gave  our  company  a  most  hearty  reception  at  Grant 
Eoad  Chapel.  The  venerable  George  Bowen  presided.  Mr. 
W.  B.  Osborn,  after  singing  and  prayer,  made  a  few  remarks, 
and  introduced  Eev.  D.  0.  Fox,  P.  E.,  who  assured  us  that 
most,  if  not  all,  of  the  preachers  of  the  South  India  Confer- 
ence, were  earnest  in  their  advocacy  of  holiness,  and  were 
anxious  that  we  should  make  it  the  theme  of  our  preaching 
while  in  India.  Mr.  Inskip  responded  in  terms  appropriate 
to  the  occasion,  followed  by  brief  remarks  by  Messrs. 
McDonald  and  Wood.  The  altar  was  crowded  with  seekers 
of  purity,  and  the  first  service  of  the  evangelists  in  India 
closed. 


330 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Our  first  Sabbath  in  Bombay  was  most  delightful.  In 
the  morning,  Mr.  Wood  preached  at  Falkland  Road,  Mr. 
McDonald  at  Dean  Hall ;  and  in  the  evening  a  union  ser- 
vice was  held  in  Grant  Road  Chapel,  at  which  Mr.  Inskip 
preached  on  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  had  great 
freedom,  and  the  sermon  was  profitable  to  many.  A  large 
number  came  to  the  altar  as  seekers  of  the  Spirit's  fulness 
and  power. 

We  had  arranged  to  hold  a  tabernacle  meeting  in  Bombay 
a  little  before,  and  during  the  session,  of  the  South  India 
Conference.  But  the  session  of  the  conference  had  been 
unexpectedly  postponed  to  give  Bishop  Merrill  opportunity 
to  visit  Palestine,  and  Poona  being  the  nearest  and  most 
accessible  point,  it  was  determined  to  erect  there  the  taber- 
nacle, which  had  already  arrived  from  America,  and  in  it 
bold  our  first  meeting  proper,  in  India. 

Poona  is  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  east  from  Bom- 
bay. It  is  from  two  to  three  thousand  feet  above  the  sea, 
and  has  a  native  population  of  one  hundred  thousand.  It 
is  famed  for  the  salubrity  of  its  climate,  and  the  number  of 
its  pagodas. 

The  tabernacle  was  in  readiness  to  be  pitched  on  our  ar- 
rival, Rev.  Mr.  Fox  having  preceded  the  company  by  a  few 
days,  with  it.  Nov.  23,  just  one  week  from  the  day  we 
landed  in  Bombay,  we  opened  the  campaign  in  Poona. 
Mr.  Inskip  preached  the  opening  sermon  to  a  large  and  at- 
tentive congregation,  from  the  text,  "  Then  had  the  churches 
rest,"  etc.  A  good  impression  was  made,  and  a  large  num- 
ber presented  themselves  at  the  altar  as  seekers  of  full  sal- 
vation. 

The  meeting  in  Poona  continued  eight  days,  including 
one  Sunday.  The  attendance  was  very  good,  and  the  people 
t;ave  prayerful  attention  to  the  word,  many  finding  the 
rich  experience  of  perfect  love.    The  natives  —  Hindus  and 


AROUND  TIIE  WORLD. 


331 


Parsees — came  out  in  considerable  numbers,  and  some  of 
them  professed  to  accept  Christ  as  a  Saviour  from  sin,  among 
them  a  high-caste  Hindu  of  considerable  influence.  There 
had  never  been,  it  was  said,  as  many  natives  present  at  any- 
previous  public  religious  gathering  in  Poona,  as  were  pres- 
ent at  the  "  tabernacle  meeting." 

On  the  Sabbath,  though  excessively  hot,  we  put  in  a  full 
day's  work.  Mr.  Inskip  preached  a  powerful  sermon  at 
7  A.  M.  At  11  A.  m.,  a  Mahratti  service  was  held,  Messrs. 
Inskip  and  Wood  addressing  the  natives  through  an  Eurasian 
interpreter.  Mrs.  Inskip  and  others  conducted  a  children's 
meeting  at  4  p.  m.  We  preached  at  6  p.  m.,  and  many  were 
at  the  altar  seeking  pardon  and  purity,  and  several  rejoiced 
in  their  new-found  bliss. 

On  Monday  evening,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  service  at 
the  tabernacle,  the  party  held  a  special  service  among  a 
company  of  educated  Hindus,  in  the  judgment  hall  of  one 
of  the  old  Mahratti  kings,  in  the  native  town.  As  they  could 
all  speak  English,  there  was  no  need  of  an  interpreter. 
After  singing,  which  the  natives  greatly  enjoyed,  earnest 
addresses  were  made  by  Messrs.  Inskip,  McDonald,  and 
Wood,  to  which  the  natives  respectfully  listened,  but  which 
did  not  seem  to  greatly  impress  them. 

It  is  doubtful  if  much  conviction  was  produced,  as  they 
were  too  ready  for  debate,  which  we  refused  to  allow. 

The  extent  of  the  work  done  in  Poona  may  be  inferred 
from  a  response  made  to  a  question  propounded  by  Mr.  In- 
skip at  the  last  service,  as  follows  ■  "  How  many  persons 
present  have,  during  the  progress  of  these  meetings,  received 
a  satisfactory  assurance  that  they  have  been  either  wholly 
sanctified,  soundly  converted,  or  consciously  reclaimed  from 
a  backslidden  state  ?  "  Not  including  a  goodly  number  of 
children,  and  several  who  had  been  saved  who  had  left  town, 
eighty  persons  promptly  arose.    The  meeting  produced  a 


332 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


pro  found  impressiou  upon  all  classes,  native  and  European. 
The  pastor,  Rev.  Mr.  Northrup,  was  greatly  encouraged  in  his 
work. 

October  3,  we  were  in  Bombay  again,  where  we  met  that 
world-renowned  evangelist,  Mrs.  Amanda  Smith,  who  had 
been  inspiring  the  people  over  much  of  India,  with  the  im- 
portance of  "A  little  more  faith  in  Jesus,"  proclaiming 
everywhere  her  royal  parentage,  by  the  announcement,  "  I'm 
the  child  of  a  King." 

The  tabernacle  was  pitched  on  the  esplanade,  or  park,  at 
a  point  where  the  trams,  or  street-cars,  converge  from  all 
parts  of  the  city ;  and  on  Saturday  evening,  of  Dec.  4,  the 
first  meeting  was  held.  Mr.  Inskip  gave  an  impressive  ad- 
dress, followed  by  a  consecration  service,  at  which  many 
humbly  sought  the  Divine  anointing. 

From  10  a.  m.  to  4  p.  m.,  it  is  oppressively  hot  in  Bombay. 
Our  first  Sabbath  service  commenced  at  11  v.  m.,  —  a  most 
uncomfortable  hour.  The  sun's  rays  poured  through  the 
white  canvas  until  the  tent  seemed  more  like  a  heated  fur- 
nace than  a  place  of  worship.  Notwithstanding  the  oppres- 
sive heat,  Mr.  Inskip  preached  on  the  subject  of  holiness, 
and,  under  the  circumstances,  did  remarkably  well.  At 
6  p.  m.,  Mr.  Wood  had  special  freedom  in  presenting  the 
subject  of  perfect  love.  The  altar  was  filled  with  seekers  of 
pardon  and  purity.  Such  a  movement,  in  Bombay,  was  en- 
tirely new,  and  it  produced  no  little  excitement  among  the 
Parsees,  who  were  present  in  great  numbers,  and  who  are 
inordinate  haters  of  Christianity.  They  were  anxious  to 
know  whether  any  of  their  people  were  among  the  seekers. 
The  preachers  of  the  South  India  Conference  were  generally 
present  at  the  tabernacle  meeting.  They  came  to  the  city 
a  week  before  the  session  of  their  conference,  which  began 
Dec.  15,  to  attend  the  meeting ;  and  royally  did  they  enjoy 
it.    The  tabernacle  was  filled  nightly  with  Europeans  and 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


333 


natives,  —  the  latter  class  chiefly  composed  of  Hindus  and 
Parsees.  The  best  of  order  prevailed.  Though  in  the  midst 
of  pagans  and  pagan  worship,  where  not  one  person  in  a 
hundred  had  any  faith  in  the  Christian  religion,  the  entire 
absence  of  all  rudeness  on  the  part  of  those  from  without, 
might  well  put  to  blush  many  European  or  American  audi- 
ences.   The  people  listened  attentively,  and  retired  quietly. 

Bishop  Merrill  arrived  Tuesday,  Dec.  7,  and  on  the  follow- 
ing Friday  evening,  preached  in  the  tabernacle,  from  Heb. 
vii.  25.    The  sermon  was  an  earnest  appeal  for  holiness. 

The  second  Sunday  opened  with  a  delightful  testimony 
meeting,  and  closed  with  a  crowded  altar  and  many  rejoicing 
hearts.  The  meeting  finally  closed  on  the  third  Sabbath. 
The  conference  was  in  session  during  the  last  week  of  the 
meeting ;  but  this  fact  did  not  seem  in  the  least  to  detract 
from  the  special  interest  of  the  tabernacle  services.  The 
baptism  which  had  come  upon  the  preachers,  had  the  effect 
to  turn  their  business  sessions  into  what  resembled  an  old- 
fashioned  Methodist  Conference.  There  were,  at  the  altar 
in  the  tabernacle,  at  one  time,  not  less  than  one  hundred  and 
fifty  souls  seeking  either  pardon  or  purity.  At  one  of  the 
meetings,  so  far  as  we  were  able  to  judge,  the  whole  confer- 
ence, bishop  included,  were  on  their  knees  at  the  altar,  seek- 
ing the  fullness  of  God.  Sailors,  soldiers,  natives,  —  indeed, 
all  classes,  —  were  calling  upon  God  for  mercy ;  and  many 
found  the  Lord. 

The  meeting  closed  Sunday,  Dec.  19.  Mr.  Jacobs  preached 
a  spiritual  sermon  in  the  morning  at  Grant  Road  Chapel. 
Mrs.  Iuskip,  with  Mrs.  McDonald  and  Mrs.  Wood,  conducted 
a  successful  children's  meeting  at  4  p.  m.  Bishop  Merrill 
preached  in  the  evening,  followed  by  a  rousing  exhortation 
from  Mr.  Inskip ;  and  a  great  crowd  of  seekers  were  at  the 
altar.    Thus  closed  the  second  holiness  meeting  in  India. 

The  following  paper  was  presented  by  the  Rev.  Dennis 


334 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Osborne,  and  passed  unanimously  by  the  Conference,  Bishop 
Merrill  asking  the  privilege  of  voting  in  its  favor:  — 

(1)  "  Whereas,  Our  beloved  brethren  from  America,  Revs.  J.  S.  In- 
skip,  W.  McDonald,  and  J.  A.  Wood,  have  been  laboring  in  our  midst 
in  a  series  of  special  religious  rervices,  we  hereby  express  our  hearty 
appreciation  of  the  benefits  which  have  resulted  from  their  labors,  and 
that  we  tender  to  them  and  their  companions  our  hearty  acknowledg- 
ment of  their  services. 

(2)  "  That  we  pray  for  the  Divine  blessing  to  accompany  them  as 
they  go  from  hence,  and  crown  their  labors  from  place  to  place,  and  in 
due  time  safely  conduct  them  back  to  their  native  land." 

The  tabernacle  meeting  at  Bombay  was  a  great  uplift  to 
the  ministers  of  the  South  India  Conference. 

Meeting  at  Allahabad. 

The  evangelistic  party  left  Bombay  Dec.  22,  for  Allahabad, 
some  nine  hundred  miles  north,  Bishop  Merrill  joining  the 
company.  They  took  second-class  fare,  which  means  bare 
seats,  and  poor  at  that ;  and  were  two  nights  and  one  day 
making  the  journey.  The  nights  were  cold,  —  very  cold. 
It  is  doubtful  if  we  ever  suffered  more  from  the  cold  in  the 
same  time.  All  were  obliged  to  sleep  on  their  narrow 
board  seats,  with  what  little  covering  they  took  with  them. 
Sleep  departed  from  their  eyes,  and  most  of  their  time  was 
spent  during  the  night  in  beating  their  cold  feet,  and  mak- 
ing efforts  to  keep  up  a  little  circulation  until  the  morning 
sun  should  bring  them  relief. 

We  arrived  at  Allahabad,  Dec.  24,  at  7.30  a.  m.,  Bishop 
Merrill  continuing  his  journey  to  Cawnpore.  The  company 
was  entertained  by  Rev.  Dennis  Osborne,  pastor  and  presid- 
ing elder,  and  Bro.  J.  F.  Deatker,  a  local  preacher.  Allah- 
abad means,  "The  City  of  God,"  —  a  sacred  city.  It  is 
situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Ganges  and  Jumna  rivers, 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


335 


and  is  the  seat  of  government  of  the  Northwest  Provinces 
and  Oudh,  and  has  a  population  of  150,000. 

We  commenced  our  meeting  Sunday,  Dec.  26,  in  the 
Methodist  church,  one  of  the  finest  in  India,  built  by  Rev. 
Dennis  Osborne.  The  services  continued  morning  and  night 
until  Sunday,  Jan.  2,  1881.  And  without  attempting  a 
minute  description  of  the  meeting,  we  may  say,  that  as  a 
whole,  there  was  no  better  meeting  held  in  India.  The 
congregations  were  not  large,  but  remarkably  earnest.  So 
far  as  could  be  known,  every  member  of  the  church,  who 
was  not  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  fulness  of  love,  entered 
into  the  blessed  experience.  It  was  simply  a  clean  sweep 
of  the  entire  church.  Sinners  were  converted,  and  in  some 
cases,  whole  families  were  brought  to  Christ.  At  the  closing 
service,  Mr.  Osborne  remarked,  that  at  first  he  had  felt  some- 
what doubtful  as  to  the  favor  with  which  the  work  would  be 
received  ;  but  he  rejoiced  greatly  to  report,  that  every  mem- 
ber of  his  church  had  been,  not  only  highly  gratified,  but 
greatly  blessed.  He  expressed  his  profound  gratitude  to  God 
for  the  wondrous  blessing  he  had  received  personally.  The 
meeting  was  full  of  blessing.  A  brother,  writing  of  it  to 
the  Bombay  Guardian,  says  :  "  I  praise  the  Lord  that  he  put 
it  into  my  heart  to  go  and  hear  these  evangelists,  as  I  have 
been  earnestly  desiring,  for  a  long  time,  this  blessed  grace 
of  entire  sanctification.  Well,  I  went  there  on  the  thirtieth, 
and  anything  like  the  earnest  addresses,  the  fervent  prayers, 
and  the  clear,  logical,  and  profound  expositions  of  Scriptures, 
setting  forth,  proving,  and  enforcing,  the  doctrine  of  entire 
sanctification,  I  never  heard  nor  even  imagined.  The 
result  was,  I  gave  myself  wholly  to  Jesus.  Such  a  glorious 
and  blessed  sight  I  had  never  seen  in  any  church,  as  I  wit- 
nessed when  nearly  the  whole  congregation  was  drawn  to 
the  communion  rail,  and  prayed  with  such  earnest  entreaties 
for  salvation  and  sanctification.    There  was  clapping  of 


336 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


hands  and  shouting,  and  groaning,  too ;  things  I  certainly 
once  disapproved  of,  but  never  will  again,  as  I  am  convin  ed 
the  whole  thing  is  of  God,  and  greatly  and  manifestly 
blessed  of  Him." 

Rev.  Dennis  Osborne,  writing  to  the  Lucknow  Witness, 
of  the  results  of  the  meeting,  says  :  "  And  now  that  the 
services  are  over,  and  we  hear  the  voice  of  these  devoted 
servants  of  God  no  more,  we  calmly  ask:  'What  have  we 
gained  as  a  church  and  people  by  the  services  held  ?  '  If 
duty  made  clear,  conviction  deepened,  hope  inspired,  faith 
stimulated,  love  kindled  to  a  holy  zeal,  be  blessings  to  be 
desired,  then  have  we  made  solid  gain.  But  not  taking  into 
account  that  which  may  be  regarded  by  some  as  merely 
sympathetic  and  transient,  we  have  to  record  to  the  glory 
of  God,  the  tangible  gain  achieved,  in  the  sanctification  of 
scores  of  believers,  among  them  members  of  sister  churches  ; 
the  reclaiming  of  many  who  had  wandered  out  of  the  way, 
and  the  conversion  of  not  a  few  who  had  hitherto  resisted 
all  Christian  appeal.  To  this,  add  a  mighty  quickening  of 
the  Church  of  God,  with  such  an  impulse  to  Christian  activity 
as  the  indwelling  Holy  Ghost  can  impart,  together  with  the 
exhumation  and  enforcement  of  one  of  the  most  powerful 
truths  of  God's  word  in  its  relation  to  Christian  life  and 
work,  —  and  we  have  some  view  of  the  area  of  blessing 
entered  upon.  We  part  with  these  beloved  brethren  and 
their  companions  with  deep  regret.  We  pray  that  God  may 
bless  their  labors  in  India  with  far-reaching  and  abiding 
success.  To  them,  we  feel  ourselves  bound  with  bonds  of 
no  ordinary  love  and  gratitude." 

North  India  Conference  —  Bakeillt. 

The  company  left  Allahabad  Monday  morning,  Jan.  3,  to 
attend  the  North  India  Conference  at  Bareilly.  Arrange- 
ments had  been  made  to  spend  the  night  in  Lucknow.  On 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


337 


reaching  the  station  at  6  p.  m.,  the  familiar  face  of  Rev. 
James  Mudge,  editor  of  the  Lucknow  Witness,  greeted  us. 
We  were  taken  to  the  Ladies'  Mission  House,  where  we 
found  comfortable  quarters  for  the  night.  The  next  morning, 
at  6.30,  we  were  off  for  Bareilly,  accompanied  by  Dr.  Waugh, 
and  others,  where  we  arrived  at  4.30  p.  m.  Here  we  met 
many  of  the  good  brethren  of  the  Conference,  who  took 
charge  of  us  during  our  stay. 

Mr.  Inskip  stopped  with  Dr.  Thomas,  Mr.  Wood  with 
Miss  Sparks,  and  the  writer  with  Eev.  Bro.  Parker  and  Dr. 
Scott. 

We  did  not  anticipate  accomplishing  very  much  at  Bareilly, 
beyond  helping,  if  possible,  some  of  the  members  of  the 
conference,  to  a  better  spiritual  state,  together  with  any 
English-speaking  members  that  might  be  in  attendance. 

The  first  evening  was  spent  in  attending  an  exhibition  of 
Miss  Sparks'  Girls'  School,  which  was  exceedingly  inter- 
esting and  satisfactory,  though  conducted  i'  Hindustani. 
The  conference  opened  on  Wednesday,  Jan.  5,  Bishop 
Merrill  presiding. 

We  took  charge  of  the  early  morning  meeting,  which  was 
very  well  attended.  The  preachers  and  their  wives  entered 
into  the  spirit  of  the  meetings,  giving  themselves  fully  to 
the  work.  Mr.  Inskip  had  considerable  liberty  in  preaching 
oi]  Wednesday  evening,  and  the  altar  was  filled  with  seekers 
of  heart  purity.  Each  day  during  the  session,  services  were 
held  at  8  A  m.,  and  8  30  p.  m. 

At  11  o'clock  Sunday,  Mr.  Inskip  preached  a  memorable 
sermon.  The  brethren  who  heard  that  discourse  will  not 
soon  forget  it.  It  was  full  of  unction  and  power.  At  6 
p.  m.,  Bishop  Merrill  preached  on  the  "  B  iptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost."    Several  other  services  were  held  during  the  day. 

The  conference  closed  on  Tuesday,  and  at  9  o'clock  A.  M. 
the  following  day,  the  party  left  for  Lucknow,  taking  third- 
class  passage. 


338 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


Meeting  at  Lucknow. 

The  meeting  at  Lucknow,  in  Rev.  Mr.  Mudge's  English- 
speaking  church,  opened  Thursday,  7.30  p.  m.  The  attend- 
ance was  small,  but  a  good  spirit  prevailed.  In  the  evening, 
Mr.  Inskip  preached.  There  was  a  fair  attendance,  but  the 
people  looked  as  if  the  sermon  was  a  little  above  their 
grasp.  The  subject  was  not  sufficiently  familiar  to  them  to 
be  readily  comprehended.  The  meeting  did  not  take  on  the 
spirit  which  we  had  hoped  to  see.  Saturday,  Rev.  Bro. 
Craven  was  greatly  blessed,  which  added  much  interest  to 
the  service.  Sunday  was,  on  the  whole,  a  good  day.  Mr. 
Inskip  preached  at  8.45  a.  m.  The  evening  sermon  was  by 
the  writer.  Several  seekers  were  at  the  altar,  and  a  few 
rejoiced  in  the  Lord. 

Division  of  Forces. 

On  leaving  England,  the  party  had  made  positive  engage- 
ments to  return  and  hold  religious  services  in  several  cities. 
It  was  also  understood  that  meetings  were  to  be  held  in 
Rome.  Though  at  first,  a  visit  to  Australia  was  contem- 
plated, the  idea  was  finally  abandoned,  and  the  party  re- 
solved to  return  by  way  of  England.  But  Mr.  Inskip,  on 
reaching  India,  and  conferring  with  Mr.  Osborn,  judged  it 
best  for  some  of  the  party,  at  least,  to  undertake  a  trip  to 
Australia.  So  it  was  arranged  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip, 
accompanied  by  Mr.  Osborn  and  wife,  should  take  that 
route,  and  the  rest  of  the  company  return  by  way  of  Home 
and  England,  and  meet  their  engagements  there. 

As  Mr.  Inskip  and  party  were  to  sail  from  Calcutta,  and 
Messrs.  McDonald  and  Wood  from  Bombay,  sixteen  hundred 
miles  apart,  it  was  judged  best  for  Mr.  Inskip  to  meet  the 
engagement  at  Calcutta,  and  Messrs.  McDonald  and  Wood 
hold  meetings  at  Cawnpore  and  Jubbulpore,  on  their  way  to 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


339 


Bombay.  It  would  have  been  a  great  pleasure  to  all  con- 
cerned, had  the  party  remained  together ;  but  as  it  proved 
in  the  end,  the  division  of  service  was  greatly  blessed  to  the 
salvation  of  souls. 

On  Monday  morning,  Jan.  17,  we  reluctantly  parted  with 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip,  who  left  for  Calcutta. 

We  shall  follow  Mr.  Inskip  in  his  tour  homeward,  giving 
as  full  an  account  of  his  labors  as  our  limits  will  allow, 
while  we  pass  over,  with  a  mere  mention,  the  labors  of  the 
other  party. 

They  took  second-class  fare,  stopping  over  night  at  Allah- 
abad. On  their  arrival  at  Calcutta,  they  were  entertained 
at  "the  princely  home"  of  Mr.  J.  M.  Atkinson. 

The  meeting  in  Calcutta,  held  in  Dr.  Thoburn's  church, 
was  one  of  marked  interest.  It  continued  through  three 
Sabbaths.  A  very  large  number  are  reported  as  having  been 
converted,  and  a  still  larger  number  wholly  sanctified.  Mr. 
Inskip  preached  twenty-two  sermons,  and  from  "the  begin- 
ning to  the  close,"  he  says,  "  there  was  much  of  unctuous 
spirituality,  and  the  work  throughout  has  been  unusually 
genuine.  The  tide  of  feeling  continued  to  rise  to  the  last 
hour,  and  threw  around  the  closing  half  hour  and  the  final 
prayer  and  benediction,  an  unction  we  have  no  words  to  de- 
scribe." On  the  evening  of  Feb.  6,  no  less  than  fifty  seekers 
bowed  at  the  altar,  and  thirty  testified  that  they  had,  then 
and  there,  found  the  Saviour,  several  of  whom  were  Moham- 
medans. Mrs.  Inskip  held  four  children's  meetings,  at  which 
many  professed  conversion.  At  the  closing  service,  fully 
two  hundred  witnessed,  by  rising,  that  during  the  meeting 
they  had  been  converted  or  fully  sanctified. 

A  tea-meeting  was  arranged,  at  which  the  many  friends 
might  gather  for  a  final  hand-shaking  and  an  affectionate 
farewell,  until  death  should  be  swallowed  up  in  victory,  and 
another  meeting  be  enjoyed  in  the  home  of  God.    The  room 


340 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


was  attractively  festooned  with  the  flags  of  several  nations, 
the  most  prominent  position  being  given  to  the  "  stars  and 
stripes."  The  occasion  was  one  of  sad  and  joyous  interest. 
Thus  closed  Mr.  Inskip's  labors  in  India. 

While  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip  were  pushing  the  battle  at 
Calcutta,  Messrs.  McDonald  and  Wood,  with  their  wives, 
were  holding  meetings  at  Lucknow,  Cawnpore,  Allahabad, 
and  Jubbulpore.  The  meeting  at  Lucknow  was  continued 
two  days  after  Mr.  Inskip's  departure. 

On  Thursday,  Jan.  20,  they  left  Lucknow  for  Cawnpore, 
where,  for  want  of  time,  they  remained  but  five  days,  hold- 
ing meetings  in  lie  v.  G.  H.  McGrew's  church.  The  services 
were  blessed  to  the  spiritual  profit  of  many.  There  was  a 
fair  attendance,  the  congregation  being  largely  composed  of 
soldiers,  nearly  a  score  of  whom  were  either  converted  or 
fully  sanctified. 

Leaving  Cawnpore,  they  stopped  at  Allahabad  for  three 
days,  holding  services  each  evening  with  Rev.  Dennis  Os- 
borne. The  church,  from  the  effects  of  the  former  meeting, 
we  found  to  be  in  a  blaze  of  religious  interest.  During  the 
three  days  we  were  allowed  to  spend  with  this  happy  people, 
several  were  fully  saved,  others  converted,  and  a  backslidden 
local  preacher  reclaimed. 

We  left  Allahabad  for  Jubbulpore,  Jan.  28.  Many  of  the 
dear  friends  met  us  at  the  station,  to  bid  us  an  affectionate 
farewell,  —  friends  made  very  dear  to  us,  whom  we  do  not 
expect  to  meet  again  in  this  life.  Thirteen  hours  of  third- 
class  car  riding,  on  an  oppressively  hot  day,  brought  us  to 
Jubbulpore.  The  dust  was  almost  blinding,  and  the  hard 
boards  for  rest  were  painful  to  flesh  and  blood.  Rev.  Mr. 
Bovard,  the  pastor,  received  us  cordially.  The  Methodist 
Church  had  no  church  edifice,  but  worshipped  in  the  theatre. 
The  congregations  were  much  larger  than  could  have  been 
anticipated.    The  meeting  continued  from  Saturday  to  the 


AROUND  TUE  WORLD. 


341 


following  Thursday.  The  Established  Church  in  the  town 
exerted  its  influence  to  keep  people  away  from  the  meeting. 
The  members  of  that  church  managed  to  get  up  a  dance 
within  a  stone's  throw  of  the  place  of  worship,  the  preacher, 
it  was  said,  leading  off  in  the  matter.  But  God  blessed  the 
faithful  preaching  of  the  word  to  the  salvation  of  many. 
Mrs.  McDonald  and  Mrs.  Wood  held  very  successful  chil- 
dren's and  mothers'  meetings. 

The  meeting  closed  at  Jubbulpore,  Thursday  night,  Feb.  3. 
Rev.  Dennis  Osborne,  presiding  elder,  was  with  us.  It  was  a 
time  of  heart  searching,  and  many  were  led  to  the  cross. 
The  brethren  were  full  of  hope,  and  Mr.  Osborne  remained  to 
preach  on  the  following  evening. 

The  quarterly  conference,  held  on  the  evening  of  the  day 
of  our  departure,  passed  resolutions  expressive  of  their  grati- 
tude to  God,  for  the  good  done  among  them. 

We  returned  to  Bombay,  where  we  remained  seven  days, 
preaching  morning  and  evening  on  the  Sabbath  at  Grant 
Boad  Chapel  and  Dean  Hall.  It  was  evident  to  all,  that  a 
marked  change  had  come  over  these  churches  since  the  tab- 
ernacle meeting  was  held  here.  Many  of  the  leading  mem- 
bers we  found  walking  in  the  light  of  holiness. 

Monday  and  Tuesday  evenings  we  attended  a  Missionary 
Conference,  and  heard  addresses  from  ministers  and  laymen 
of  different  denominations.  Col.  Oldham,  a  Churchman, 
said  :  "  The  great  need  of  India  is  the  religion  of  the  Metho- 
dists, a  religion  which  stirs  men's  hearts,"  and  he  thanked 
God  that  it  was  coming.  Mr.  Wood  preached  Wednesday 
and  Thursday  nights,  and  Bishop  Merrill,  who  joined  us 
here,  preached  Friday  night.  This  was  our  last  service  in 
India.  The  party  were  in  India  eighty-eight  days.  In  that 
time  they  travelled  2622  miles,  through  the  heart  of  the 
country,  held  130  religious  services,  including  Mr.  Inskip's 
at  Calcutta,  and  attended  two  annual  conferences. 


342 


LIFE  OF  J0H2T  S.  IXSKIP. 


Our  party  sailed  from  Bombay,  Feb.  12,  in  the  steamship 
Britannia,  of  the  Anchor  Line  —  Bishop  Merrill,  Dr.  Waugh 
and  family,  making  a  part  of  our  company. 

Bros.  Bowen,  Fox,  Osborne,  Jacobs,  Shreeves  and  Stephens, 
with  a  number  of  members  of  the  churches,  met  us  at  the 
ship  to  bid  us  adieu.  We  parted  with  these  friends  very 
reluctantly,  as  it  was  morally  certain  we  should  meet  no 
more  until  we  come  to  that  world  where  there  is  "  no  more 
sea."  On  the  same  day,  and  near  the  same  hour  that  the 
party  sailed  from  Bombay,  Mr.  Inskip  and  wife,  and  Mr. 
Gardiner,  sailed  from  Calcutta,  in  the  steamship  Indus  — 
one  party  bound  for  England,  via  Port  Said ;  the  other  for 
Australia,  via  Point  de  Galle,  in  Ceylon. 

As  Mr.  Inskip  and  party  were  sailing  down  the  Hooghly 
River,  they  passed  an  American  ship  —  Daniel  G.  Tenny,  of 
Newburyport,  Mass.,  which  not  only  displayed  the  "stars 
and  stripes,"  but  had  on  board  several  persons  who  had 
been  converted  at  the  Calcutta  meeting.  Mr.  Inskip,  not 
thinking  that  any  Americans  were  on  board,  except  their 
party  of  three,  and  not  caring,  we  presume,  proposed  "three 
cheers  for  the  red,  white  aud  blue."  But  to  his  surprise,  no 
small  number  of  passengers  caught  the  inspiration,  and 
joined  him  in  the  demonstration.  "The  old  flag  was  grace- 
fully dipped,  and  the  crew  of  the  Tenny  answered  the  cheers 
in  characteristic  style."  To  his  great  gratification,  several 
American  clergymen  and  others,  introduced  themselves  to 
him.  Messrs.  Barr  and  Stewart,  Presbyterians,  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  Rev.  Dr.  Cud  worth  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnard, 
Unitarians,  of  Boston,  became  much  interested  in  Mr.  Inskip. 
Mr.  Cudworth,  however,  preceded  Mr.  Inskip  to  the  spirit- 
land,  but  Mr.  Barnard  called  upon  the  writer,  so  soon  as  the 
news  of  Mr.  Inskip's  death  became  public,  to  express  his  sor- 
row, and  the  affection  he  entertained  for  the  deceased. 

Mr.  Inskip  says :  "  This  outburst  of  enthusiasm  made  us 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


343 


all  friends,  and  we  had  much  to  say  to  each  other  about 
various  matters  of  common  interest  to  us  all.  We  were  of 
all  schools  of  theology,  orthodox  and  otherwise,  but  all 
believed  in  the  Bible  and  gloried  in  the  flag  of  our  country. 
In  this  little  spontaneous  combustion,  we  missed  Brother 
Wood,  and  would  have  enjoyed  it  more  if  Brother  McDonald 
had  been  present.  It  was  one  of  the  most  pleasant  things 
of  the  sort  we  have  ever  known." 

A  few  days  on  the  Bay  of  Bengal,  and  they  were  safely 
landed  at  Galle,  where  they  anticipated  meeting  Bev.  W.  B. 
Osborn  and  wife,  who  were  to  sail  from  Bombay.  They 
quietly  worshipped  in  the  Wesleyan  Ch  ipel  on  the  Sabbath, 
and  heard  neither  a  groan,  nor  an  amen,  nor  any  other  evi- 
dence of  life.  Mr.  Inskip  pronounced  the  whole  affair,  "the 
dryest,  dullest,  most  uninteresting  and  lifeless  religious 
ceremony  he  ever  saw  or  heard." 

He  met  Bev.  Charles  Wickramsinghe,  William  Taylor's 
interpreter  while  in  Ceylon,  who  urged  him  to  preach  on  the 
following  Sabbath,  to  the  natives  at  one  of  his  appointments^ 
about  four  miles  from  Galle.  He  consented,  and  had  a  very 
pleasant  time.  He  preached  in  the  Wesleyan  Chapel  in  the 
evening,  and  held  several  interesting  services  during  the 
week.  By  request,  he  preached,  through  an  interpreter,  on 
"  heart  purity,"  to  a  congregation  of  Portuguese.  On  invita- 
tion, about  one  hundred  and  fifty  came  to  the  altar  as  seekers 
of  pardon  and  purity.  The  presence  of  God  was  so  mani- 
fest, that  he  was  urged  to  hold  another  service,  which  he 
consented  to  do,  but  sudden  illness  prevented,  and  Mr.  Osborn, 
who  had  arrived,  took  his  place.  A  wide-spread  religious 
interest  was  awakened  among  the  people,  and  could  they 
have  remained  for  a  few  days,  much  fruit  might  have  been 
gathered. 

They  left  Galle,  March  5,  in  the  steamship  Catha,  and 
after  ten  days  of  ocean  life,  to  their  great  joy  the  western 


344 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


coast  of  Australia  appeared  in  full  view.  Nothing  of  special 
interest  occurred  on  the  voyage,  except  "  crossing  the  line," 
with  the  usual  visit  of  Neptune,  followed  by  the  "trade- 
winds,"  which  brought  rough  seas  and  sea  sickness.  A  few 
days  later,  the  ship  cast  anchor  off  the  town  of  Albany, 
and  some  of  the  passengers,  among  them  Messrs.  Osborn 
and  Gardiner,  went  on  shore,  and  on  their  return,  Rev.  Mr. 
Howland,  the  Wesleyan  minister,  accompanied  them,  and 
had  a  pleasant  interview  with  Mr.  Inskip,  greatly  desiring 
him  to  remain  for  a  week  or  two,  and  conduct  religious 
services  in  his  church  ;  but  want  of  time  prevented. 

As  they  reached  the  Australian  coast,  the  sea  became 
unusually  smooth  and  agreeable,  until  they  arrived  at  IS  Tel- 
bourne,  where  they  were  met  by  a  committee  appointed  by 
the  preachers'  meeting,  to  receive  and  provide  entertainment 
for  them.  Almost  the  first  inquiry  which  met  him  on  land- 
ing was,  '«  Where  is  1  California  Taylor  ? ' "  a  name  around 
which  cluster  precious  memories  in  that  land.  A  formal 
reception  was  tendered  the  party  in  the  Wesleyan  church, 
and  notwithstanding  a  rainy  day  and  night,  the  church,  in- 
cluding galleries,  was  filled.  A  large  number  of  clergymen 
from  different  denominations  were  present,  and  all  extended 
to  the  evangelists  a  most  hearty  welcome. 

Their  first  meeting  was  held  in  the  Lonsdale-street  Wes- 
leyan Church,  capable  of  seating  some  fifteen  hundred.  It 
commenced  Sunday,  March  27,  aud  continued  until  Thurs- 
day, April  14.  There  were  two  services  daily,  and  three 
each  Sabbath,  exclusive  of  those  held  by  Mrs.  Inskip.  Mr. 
Inskip  preached,  during  the  time,  twenty-eight  sermons;  Mr. 
Osborn,  from  whom  he  expected  considerable  assistance, 
being  detained  much  of  the  time  by  the  sickness  of  his 
wife.  During  these  services,  hundreds  of  souls  were  fully 
sanctified  and  converted.  It  was  reported  that  at  Mrs. 
Inskip's  meetings  alone,  some  two  hundred  children  were 
converted. 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


345 


From  Melbourne  they  went  to  Ballarat,  four  hours'  ride  by 
rail ;  a  mining  city  of  40,000  population,  situated  in  the  moun- 
tain, denominated  "  Garden  City  of  Victoria."  They  were 
here  eight  days,  including  two  Sabbaths,  during  which  time 
Mr.  Inskip  preached  sixteen  sermons.  It  seems  to  have 
been  a  most  remarkable  meeting :  five  hundred  were  reported 
converted,  and  two  hundred  entirely  sanctified.  The  crowds 
that  thronged  the  church  could  not  be  accommodated,  and 
large  numbers  were  turned  away. 

From  Ballarat  they  went  to  Geelong,  a  beautiful  city  of 
about  20,000  inhabitants,  situated  on  Corio  Bay,  some  forty 
miles  from  Melbourne.  They  remained  there  but  one  week, 
Mr.  Inskip  preaching  twelve  sermons.  Here  he  witnessed 
the  salvation  of  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  souls. 

Their  next  place  of  destination  was  Sydney.  They  pro- 
ceeded first  to  Melbourne,  then  took  overland  journey  by 
rail  to  Sydney,  a  distance  of  586  miles.  A  portion  of  the 
way  was  to  be  taken  in  a  Pullman  palace  car.  But  after 
riding  nearly  two  hundred  miles  to  Albany,  he  got  a  glimpse 
of  the  sleeper,  at  which  he  became  greatly  disgusted.  "It 
was  the  most  dingy,  gloomy-looking  thing  in  the  shape  of  a 
car,"  he  says,  "  that  could  well  be  conceived,  and  almost  as 
unlike  a  Pullman  car  as  a  dilapidated  old  ox-cart  is  unlike 
a  comfortable  carriage."  But  after  a  wearisome  journey  of 
twenty-six  hours,  they  reached  Sydney,  and  found  comfort- 
able quarters  at  the  residence  of  Mr.  Dawson. 

The  first  service  at  Sydney  was  not  a  little  disheartening 
to  Mr.  Inskip.  He  was  compelled  to  listen  to  fifty  minutes 
of  solid  ritual.  He  says,  "  Some  of  our  readers  will  have 
an  idea  of  how  much  we  groaned  and  suffered  under  this 
burden."  "  It  had  one  good  effect,  however,  in  teaching  us 
the  possibility  of  preaching  a  short  sermon ;  but  it  also 
fully  assured  us  of  the  folly  of  a  long  ritual."  He  was  en- 
couraged by  the  assurance  that  the  "  Church  service "  was 


346 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


not  used  at  night.  Just  how  he  got  through  with  this  ser- 
vice, he  does  not  tell  us.  But  the  evening  service  was 
hopeful,  and  some  were  at  the  altar  as  seekers  of  salvation. 
The  meetings  wf>re  continued  until  Wednesday  of  the  fol- 
lowing week  —  eleven  days.  "  It  fell  to  my  lot,"  he  says,  "to 
preach  eighteen  sermons,  and  exhort  almost  any  number  of 
times."  '  Such  a  rush  to  the  altar,  we  have  never  seen  any- 
where. According  to  the  statement  of  Rev.  Mr.  Osman, 
there  were  at  least  one  thousand  saved  during  the  Pente- 
costal visitation,"  and  "  about  that  number,"  says  Mr.  Inskip, 
"  arose  at  the  last  service  to  testify  that  they  had  obtained 
pardon  or  purity.  Fully  two-thirds  of  the  number  were 
young  converts." 

In  summing  up  his  labors  in  Australia,  he  says :  "  During 
the  eight  weeks  we  remained  in  Australia,  we  travelled  by 
rail  about  eight  hundred  miles,  preached  eighty  sermons, 
and  saw  about  2,500  people  saved,  about  two-thirds  of  whom 
were  converted,  and  the  balance  wholly  sanctified.  Among 
the  last-mentioned  class  were  a  large  number  of  ministers 
—  travelling  and  local.  On  the  whole,  we  deem  it  the  most 
faithful  two  months'  toil  we  have  ever  been  able  to  perform. 
To  God  be  all  the  praise." 

The  Australian  accounts  of  these  revivals  were  fully  up 
to  anything  written  by  Mr.  Inskip.  They  represent  that 
the  "  fruit  remained,"  and  that  the  revival  wave  continued 
to  roll,  aud  many  were  being  saved  after  the  evangelist  had 
left. 

May  19,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip,  and  Mr.  Gardiner,  bade 
adieu  to  Australia,  and  commenced  their  homeward  voyage, 
taking  passage  on  the  mail  steam  ship  Australia,  leaving 
Mr.  Osborn  and  wife  behind  to  carry  on  the  work.  From 
Sydney  to  Auckland,  they  had  a  pleasant  run.  Here  they 
.took  on  board,  as  steerage  possengers,  tweuty-seven  Mormons. 
He  represents  that  "they  may  be  what  they  claim  they  are, 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


347 


'Latter-day  Saints,'  but  they  are  without  doubt  rather 
'  rough  believers.' " 

The  voyage,  on  the  whole,  was  rough  and  uncomfortable. 
"  If  the  Pacific  ever  deserved  its  beautiful  and  significant 
title,"  he  says,  "we  must  be  allowed  to  say,  the  claim,  so 
far  as  we  are  concerned,  has  been  fairly  and  fully  forfeited. 
Our  observation  and  experience  will  lead  us  hereafter  to 
speak  of  the  two  oceans  as  the  ' roaring'  Pacific,  and  the 
mild'  Atlantic." 

June  6,  they  stopped  for  a  day  at  Honolulu,  one  of  the 
Sandwich  Islands.  Not  anticipating  seeing  any  American 
face  in  that  far-off  island  of  the  ocean,  he  was  not  a  little 
surprised  to  be  introduced,  by  the  purser  of  the  ship,  to  the 
"  Eev.  S.  C.  Damon,  D.D.,  a  solid,  genial,  enthusiastic,  and 
earnest  New  England  Congregationalist,"  who,  for  more 
than  forty  years,  had  been  connected  with  the  "American 
Seamen's  Friend  Society,"  in  that  island.  During  the  day 
tney  spent  in  Honolulu,  they  met  a  brother  who  had  met 
tnem  at  the  "  Tuesday  meeting  "  in  New  York,  and  a  sister 
wno  had  attended  the  tabernacle  meeting  in  Sacramento, 
Cal.,  and  Eev.  Sit  Moon,  a  Chinaman,  who  attended  the 
tabernacle  meeting  at  San  Francisco,  in  1871. 

After  four  weeks  and  7,100  miles  of  sea  travel,  on  Tues- 
day, June  14,  the  Australia  entered  the  "  Golden  Gate," 
and  the  pilgrims  were  safely  landed  in  San  Franscisco, 
where  they  spent  a  few  days  with  their  friends,  holding 
several  meetings  in  the  Central  and  Howard  St.  Methodist 
Churches. 

On  June  29,  having  crossed  the  American  continent, 
they  landed  safely  at  their  home  by  the  sea  —  Ocean  Grove, 
—  to  "bid  adieu,"  he  says,  "to  a  life  on  the  ocean  wave," 
which  proved  true.  They  were  met  at  the  depot  by  their 
Ocean  Grove  friends,  and  escorted  to  their  cottage,  where  a 
large  number  of  friends,  including  the  Ocean  Grove  officials, 


348 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


gave  them  a  joyful  reception.  The  following  evening,  they 
were  conducted  to  the  tabernacle,  where  they  were  greeted 
by  a  great  crowd  of  their  admirers.    The  familiar  hymn, 

"  And  we  are  yet  alive 
And  see  each  others'  face  ?  " 

was  sung,  after  which  Rev.  A.  E.  Ballard  offered  prayer. 
The  entire  congregation  then  joined  in  singing, 

"  Home  again,  home  again, 
From  a  foreign  shore  ; 
And,  oh,  it  fills  my  soul  with  joy, 
To  meet  my  friends  once  more." 

Dr.  Stokes  then  read  a  poetic  address  of  welcome  :  — 
"  Ring,  ring  the  hells  of  joy,"  etc. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip  were  called  upon  for  addresses.  They 
responded,  to  the  great  delight  of  all  present,  expressing 
their  great  satisfaction  at  the  unexpected  demonstration, 
and  giving  a  comprehensive  and  touching  account  of  their 
long,  perilous,  aud  successful  trip  around  the  globe.  "The 
unction  of  the  speech,"  says  the  Ocean  Grove  Record,  "may 
be  imagined  by  those  acquainted  with  the  speaker  in  his 
happiest  moods,  but  we  cannot  do  it  justice  here." 

Nothing  more  need  be  added  to  make  this  occasion  com- 
plete. The  circle  of  the  globe  had  been  made  on  one  of  the 
noblest  missions  which  ever  engaged  the  human  soul  —  to 
spread  Scriptural  holiness.  Their  work  speaks  for  itself, 
and  fully  justifies  the  sacrifice  made.  Eternity  will  fully 
reveal  the  good  accomplished. 

The  other  division  of  the  "evangelistic  party"  returned 
home  by  way  of  Rome  and  England,  to  meet  engagements 
which  they  could  not  well  ignore.  They  reached  Rome, 
March  29,  and  remained  there  one  week,  holding  services 


AROUND  THE  WORLD. 


349 


each  evening,  and  three  services  on  the  Sabbath,  —  the  latter 
in  the  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  Dr.  Vernon,  pastor. 

Leaving  Eome,  April  4,  they  arrived  in  London,  April  7, 
spending  only  one  day  in  Paris.  They  remained  in  England 
five  weeks,  holding  meetings  during  the  time  in  Stepney 
Green  Tabernacle,  London  ;  also,  at  Leeds,  at  Leicester,  at 
Sheffield,  at  Grimsby,  at  Saint  Helen's,  and  a  farewell  ser- 
vice at  Everton  Road  Chapel,  Liverpool,  where  they  had 
held  their  last  service  before  leaving  for  India.  It  does  not 
come  within  the  scope  of  this  memoir  to  speak  of  these 
meetings,  but  simply  to  describe  the  route  by  which  the 
"  Inskip  party,"  as  it  was  sometimes  called,  returned  to 
their  American  home. 

"Wednesday,  May  11,  at  3  p.  M.,  a  large  number  of  their 
English  friends  collected  on  board  the  steam-tug,  as  she  lay 
at  the  wharf  in  Liverpool,  to  accompany  them  to  the  ship 
England  on  which  they  were  to  sail.  They  were  soon  on 
board,  and  a  season  of  hearty  hand-shaking,  and  many  an 
affectionate  "  good-by "  and  "  God  bless  you,"  and  they 
parted,  — the  "evangelists  "  to  come  to  their  Western  home, 
and  the  brethren  and  sisters  to  return  to  the  city.  But  as 
long  as  the  two  crafts  were  in  sight,  waving  signals  told  of 
warm,  loving  hearts,  which  would  not  likely  meet  again 
until  "this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality." 

Twelve  days  of  monotonous  sea  life,  —  pleasant  on  the 
whole,  —  and  the  party  was  safely  landed  in  New  York.  A 
few  hours  later,  and  they  were  at  their  New  England  homes, 
having  been  absent  just  eleven  months  They  had  travelled 
twenty-three  thousand  miles  by  sea  and  land  without  an 
accident,  and  with  very  little  detention.  "Glory  to  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  I " 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 

The  exhaustive  labors  performed  by  Mr.  Inskip  during 
his  "  around-the-world  tour,"  necessitated  rest  for  the  re- 
cuperation of  wasted  energies.  But  within  one  month  of 
the  time  he  arrived  at  Ocean  Grove,  he  was  at  Round  Lake, 
to  take  charge  of  the  National  Camp-meeting,  commencing 
July  12.  The  entire  evangelistic  party,  including  many  of 
their  friends,  were  there.  Mr.  Inskip  was  looking  as  fresh 
and  vigorous  as  ever.  In  fact,  no  one  of  the  party  seemed 
to  have  materially  suffered  from  their  labors  abroad. 

The  meeting  at  Round  Lake  was,  in  all  respects,  a  success. 
The  preaching  was  clear,  searching,  and  evangelical.  The 
altar  services  were  seasons  of  great  spiritual  power. 

From  Round  Lake,  Mr.  Inskip  proceeded  to  Warsaw, 
Indiana,  to  attend  the  National  Camp-meeting,  commencing 
Aug.  5.  Here  he  was  assisted  by  several  of  the  members  of 
the  Association.  He  says  of  the  meeting :  "  It  is  a  real,  old- 
fashioned  camp-meeting."  On  Tuesday  of  the  second  week, 
he  gave  an  account  of  his  "  around-the-world  tour."  "  The 
speaker,"  he  says,  "forgot  himself,  and  the  people  seemed 
also  to  forget  themselves ;  for  the  story,  which  it  was  hoped 
could  be  told  in  a  half  hour,  went  on  until  nearly  one  o'clock. 
Still  the  people  cried  out,  '  Go  on  !    Go  on  ! ' " 

Mr.  Inskip  sent  telegrams  to  the  conductors  of  several 
camp-meetings,  describing  the  great  success  at  Warsaw,  re- 

350 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


351 


ceiving  responses  of  like  character.  The  writer,  in  the 
midst  of  one  of  the  most  remarkable  meetings  ever  held  at 
Douglas,  Mass.,  received  the  following  telegram  : 

"To  Rev.  W.  McDonald,  Douglas,  Mass.,  — 

"  God  is  with  us  in  great  power.  The  friends  of  holiness,  assem- 
bled at  Warsaw,  send  fraternal  greetings  to  their  fellow-laborers  at 
Douglas.   Hallelujah  1  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigneth  ! 

J.  S.  Inskip." 

To  this  the  following  reply  was  returned :  — 

"Friends  of  holiness  at  Douglas  return  joyful  greetings  to  their 
brethren  at  "Warsaw.  Jordan  overflows  all  her  banks.  All  agree  that 
this  is  superior  to  any  meeting  ever  before  held  in  New  England. 
Sing  the  doxology. 

W.  McDonald." 

On  Thursday  afternoon,  Mr.  Inskip  preached  a  sermon 
from  the  text,  "  All  things  are  possible  to  him  that  believ- 
eth."  A  number  of  the  ministers  present,  united  in  a  re- 
quest that  the  sermon  be  published.  But  the  sermon,  when 
in  print,  did  not  seem  very  much  like  the  sermon  as  preached 
under  the  inspiration  of  a  camp-meeting  all  aglow  with  spir- 
itual life. 

Rev.  John  Lindsay  was  once  solicited,  by  a  reporter  at 
Old  Eastham,  to  furnish  him  a  copy  of  a  sermon  on  the 
judgment,  of  remarkable  power,  which  he  had  just  preached. 
The  sermon  was  delivered  in  the  midst  of  a  severe  thunder- 
storm, the  peals  of  thunder  adding  greatly  to  the  impressive 
character  of  the  discourse.  Mr.  Lindsay  remarked,  that  the 
sermon  was  not  written,  and  he  doubted  if  he  could  recall 
it ;  besides,  it  would  be  impossible  to  print  into  the  dis- 
course, the  thunder  and  lightning.  There  was  often  a  good 
deal  of  thunder  and  lightning  in  Mr.  Inskip's  discourses, 
which  could  never  be  put  into  print. 

In  September,  1881,  Mr.  Inskip  removed  his  residence 


352 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


from  Ocean  Grove  to  Philadelphia,  and  thought  to  confine 
his  evangelistic  labors  principally  to  that  city  and  vicinity. 
He  was  convinced  that,  unless  he  circumscribed  his  labors, 
he  would  soon  utterly  break  down.  He  conducted  an  "  all- 
day  holiness  meeting"  in  the  Central  M.  E.  Church,  and 
another  in  the  M.  E.  Church  of  Frankford.  Subsequently, 
similar  meetings  were  held  in  Scott  Church,  Twentieth 
Street,  Eighteenth  Street,  and  Spring  Garden  Street.  These 
four  meetings,  held  in  the  brief  space  of  three  weeks,  will 
give  the  reader  an  idea  of  the  manner  of  his  seeking  rest. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Association,  which  was 
held  in  November,  Mr.  Inskip  seemed  in  good  spirits,  though 
it  was  evident  to  most  that  he  was  failing.  His  spirit  was 
tender,  and  he  seemed  to  be  ripening  for  the  change  which 
proved  to  be  in  the  near  future. 

He  attended  a  "  watch-meeting,"  at  the  close  of  the  year, 
at  Twentieth-street  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  Wm.  B.  Wood, 
pastor.  Speaking  of  the  prospects  of  life,  he  says :  "  It  is 
a  merciful  arrangement  of  Providence,  that  we  cannot  fore- 
cast or  penetrate  the  future.  Nevertheless,  in  view  of  what 
may  transpire,  it  will  be  well  for  each  to  be  ready  to  •  go 
hence.' " 

He  confines  his  labors  chiefly  to  Philadelphia,  and  for 
some  months  does  little  outside  of  his  editorial  work.  His 
writings  are  marked  by  increasing  spirituality  and  Christian 
fraternity. 

Early  the  following  spring,  he  began  to  rally  the  people 
on  the  subject  of  attending  the  National  Camp-meeting  at 
Pound  Lake.  There  was  to  be  a  National  Holiness  Conven- 
tion immediately  preceding  the  camp-meeting,  which  would 
call  together  brethren  from  all  parts  of  the  country,  and 
materially  add  to  the  interest  of  the  camp-meeting. 

On  the  twenty-eighth  of  March,  an  event  transpired  in  his 
family,  in  which  he  and  Mrs.  Inskip  were  greatly  interested 


THE  EXD  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


3o3 


—  the  marriage  of  their  only  grand-child,  Mr.  John  E.  Inskip, 
to  Miss  Emma  S.  Flock,  daughter  of  Mr.  Isaac  G.  Flock,  of 
Lansingburg,  N.  Y.  "  If  we  enjoyed  the  occasion,"  h«  says, 
"  it  of  course  will  not  surprise  anybody ;  aud  if  we  are 
especially  interested  in  their  happiness  and  welfare,  it  will 
be  readily  understood  by  parents  and  friends,  who  may  have 
had  similar  experiences." 

Mr.  Inskip  attended  his  conference  —  New  York  East  — 
in  April,  which  met  at  Waterbury,  Conn.  He  pronounces 
it  "the  most  spiritual  occasion  of  the  kind"  h»  had  ever 
known.  But  it  gives  him  a  feeling  of  sadness  to  look 
over  the  conference,  and  see  how  many  have  departed.  But 
they  died  in  peace,"  he  says,  "  and  the  rest  will  follow." 

As  the  time  drew  near  for  attending  the  Bound  Lake  Na- 
tional Convention  and  Camp-meeting,  Mr.  Inskip  expressed 
a  strong  desire  that  these  gatherings  should  be  so  conducted 
as  that  God  might  be  honored  and  holiness  advanced.  He 
felt,  he  says,  "  it  may  be  the  last  National  Camp-meeting  at 
Bound  Lake,  that  some  of  us  will  attend.  Life  is  snort, 
eternity  is  at  hand."  He  arrived  at  the  camp-ground  Satur- 
day, July  2,  and  on  the  following  day  —  Sunday  —  preached 
to  a  congregation  of  fair  size,  who  gave  reverent  attention  to 
the  word. 

The  convention  opened  Tuesday,  the  fourth  of  July,  by 
appropriate  exercises.  Mr.  Inskip  was  elected  president; 
and  delivered  an  appropriate  address,  setting  forth  the  objects 
of  the  Convention.  It  was  an  instructive  talk.  On  the 
second  day,  he  followed  Dr.  TVatson,  who  spoke  on  "The 
things  essential  to  the  successful  prosecution  of  the  work  of 
holiness."  His  address  was  timely,  iusisting  that  holiness, 
and  holiness  only,  was  the  need  of  the  hour.  The  Conven- 
tion, on  the  whole,  was  a  grand  success. 

The  National  Camp-meeting  opened  Thursday,  July  6. 
There  were  fifteen  of  the  members  of  the  Association  in 


354 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


attendance.  Choico  spirits,  from  all  parts  of  the  country, 
as  well  as  from  Canada  and  New  Brunswick,  were  present. 
The  meeting  closed  on  Thursday  night,  at  about  12  o'clock, 
amidst  the  great  rejoicing  of  the  company.  It  was  reported 
that  one  hundred  and  fifty  were  converted,  and  a  still  larger 
number  wholly  sanctified. 

After  attending  a  meeting  at  Ocean  Grove  for  about  one 
week,  Mr.  Inskip  took  a  brief  trip  to  Massachusetts,  to 
attend  the  New  England  Camp-meeting  for  the  promotion 
of  holiness,  held  at  Douglas,  Mass.,  Aug.  6.  He  was  pres- 
ent at  the  meeting  three  days,  and  preached  twice,  to  the 
great  delight  of  the  people.  He  had  mapped  out  for  him- 
self too  much  work  for  his  strength.  He  spent  a  few  days 
more  at  the  regular  camp-meeting  at  Ocean  City,  preaching 
the  opening  sermon,  and  preached  again  on  the  Sabbath. 
He  then  proceeded  to  Pitman  Grove,  where  he  was  greatly 
helped  in  preaching.  While  there  he  was  reminded  of  a 
remarkable  camp-meeting  which  he  attended  at  Spruce 
Grove,  some  years  before,  in  which  he  took  a  very  active 
part.  He  represents,  that  the  excitement  throughout  the 
meeting  was  extraordinary.  He  was  called  upon  to  preach 
on  the  occasion.  His  voice  was  almost  entirely  gone.  But 
the  openiug  singing  was  wonderful,  he  says.  The  text  was  : 
"  And  I  saw  a  great  white  throne,"  etc.  Upon  the  announce- 
ment of  his  text,  to  his  surprise  his  voice  immediately  be- 
came as  clear  as  possible.  The  Lord  wonderfully  helped 
him.  The  thousands  who  came  into  the  congregation  be- 
came so  much  interested  that  they  instinctively  arose  to 
their  feet,  and  broke  into  a  tremendous  shout  of  praise. 
Sinners  shrieked  aloud  for  help,  and  many  scores  are  said 
to  have  been  happily  converted  to  God.  It  was  a  night  of 
wonders.    Such  scenes  were  not  rare  in  his  earlier  ministry. 

The  latter  part  of  August,  he  started  for  the  Lincoln,  111., 
National  Camp-meeting,  stopping,  by  invitation,  at  Youngs- 


THE  EN~>  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


355 


town,01iio,  to  attend  the  Ohio  State  Camp-meeting.  Here  he 
labored  with  his  accustomed  zeal,  expending  all  his  energies 
in  promoting  the  cause  of  holiness.  Leaving  Youngstown, 
he  proceded  to  Warren,  O.,  where  worn  and  weary,  he  halted 
to  rest,  with  Rev.  Mr.  Ileeves.  While  here  his  old  troubles, 
induced  by  over-work,  returned,  and  he  was  obliged  to  abandon 
the  idea  of  attending  the  National,  at  Lincoln.  Broken  in 
health,  he  found  it  necessary  to  return  to  his  home. 

Referring  to  his  health,  he  says  :  "  A  necessity  is  laid 
upon  us  to  abstain,  for  the  present,  from  all  ministerial 
service.  We  have  attempted  too  much.  This  is  all  the 
more  afflictive  and  unsatisfactory,  because  so  many  of  our 
truest  and  most  intimate  friends  have  admonished  us  of  our 
peril.  We  thought  we  were  able  to  do  all  we  engaged  to 
without  damage  or  serious  difficulty.  We  were  mistaken. 
We  must  submit,  and  consent  for  a  season  to  cease  from  all 
pulpit  labor.  There  is  nothing  in  the  world  for  which  we 
have  such  an  aversion  as  that  about  which  we  now  write. 
With  going  ahead  and  hard  work  we  are  familiar,  and  have 
long  enjoyed  this  manner  of  life.  We  must  consent  for  a 
season  to  bear  our  cross." 

A  week  or  two  later,  he  says  :  "The  'high  noon'  of  life 
has  come  and  passed,  and  we  must  consent  to  know 
that  the  'evening'  is  foreshadowed.  Nor  is  this  in  any 
sense  unwelcome,  disagreeable,  or  unsatisfactory.  For  the 
present  we  deem  it  our  imperative  duty  to  rest.  This  we 
do  with  great  cheerfulness  and  readiness.  The  task  before 
us  is  a  difficult  one,  yet  with  Divine  aid  we  hope  to  get 
through  with  it." 

Mr.  Inskip  made  another  change  in  his  residence,  reti  ov- 
ing  from  Philadelphia,  to  Chester  County.  Thinking  that 
the  country  air,  ano  physical  exercise,  would  be  to  his  ad- 
vantage, he  exchanged  his  city  property  for  a  small  farm, 
near  the  place  where  he  spent  his  early  years,  and  had  coin 


356 


LIFE  OF  JOLW  S.  INSEIP. 


menced  his  life-work.  Here,  in  comparative  retirement, 
abandoning  almost  entirely  his  editorial  duties,  he  spent  his 
time  in  light  labor  on  the  farm.  The  effect  upon  his  health 
was  very  encouraging.  He  seemed  to  be  improving,  but  it 
became  necessary  that  he  abstain  from  all  mental  labor.  He 
wrote  but  1  ttle,  brethren  kindly  volunteering  to  assist  him 
in  furnishing  editorial  matter  for  the  Christian  Standard. 
He  says  :  "  We  are  led  to  believe  we  turned  aside  to  rest  in 
good  season,  and  with  the  Divine  blessing,  we  are  quite 
hopeful  that  we  may  again  be  permitted  to  resume  our  much- 
loved  toil.  For  the  present,  we  must  move  with  great  caution." 

On  the  eighteenth  of  November,  he  says  :  "  We  are  not 
sufficiently  rallied  from  the  effects  of  our  recent  disability 
to  resume  our  editorial  work."  "  Our  mistake  in  over-doing 
is  one  we  ought  not  to  have  made." 

The  brethren,  on  reaching  Philadelphia  to  attend  the 
annual  meeting,  found  Mr.  Inskip  in  greatly  impaired 
health.  His  nervous  system  seemed  entirely  broken  up, 
and  he  was  utterly  unable  to  control  his  feelings.  They 
had  fears  for  a  time  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  preside  it 
the  meeting.  He  could  scarcely  speak  without  weeping, 
and  appeared  to  be  greatly  disqualified  for  any  service.  He 
did,  however,  so  far  recover  as  to  be  present  at  the  meeting, 
and  in  some  good  degree  take  part  in  its  deliberations.  The 
members,  however,  were  deeply  impressed  with  the  facfc 
that  his  days  of  toil  were  at,  or  nearly  at,  an  end.  It  was 
resolved  to  hold  three  camp-meetings  in  1883.  Only  two 
were  finally  arranged  for ;  viz:,  Pitman  Grove,  N.  J.,  and 
Old  Orchard,  Me.  Speaking  of  the  annual  meeting,  he 
says :  "  At  no  period  since  its  organization  have  we  seen 
such  unity  and  hearty  fellowship  among  the  brethren  of  the 
Association.    All  their  action  was  heartily  unanimous." 

About  the  middle  of  December,  he  writes :  "  We  are  being 
helped  wondrously,  and  feel  that  we  shall  soon  be  all  right 


THE  EXD  COMETH,  AND  TIIE  TRIUMPH. 


357 


again.  We  are  at  our  post,  and  ready  for  any  reasonable 
service  which  may  be  demanded  of  us.  If  it  were  camp- 
meeting  season  we  would  be  able  to  take  our  turn,  and  do 
our  full  share  of  work.  Our  friends  will,  we  hope,  share 
our  gratitude  and  joy  when  we  inform  them  we  are  doing 
well,  and  our  motto  is,  'Still  onward.'  If  we  cau  only 
have  grace  to  act  wisely,  we  shall  look  for  more  than  one 
decade  of  good  opportunity  and  earnest  hard  work  in  the 
cause  of  holiness." 

By  the  middle  of  March,  he  seems  to  have  so  far  re- 
covered, or  improved,  as  to  enter  upon  his  editorial  duties. 
Rev.  T.  T.  Tasker  addresses  a  congratulatory  letter  to  the 
readers  of  the  Standard,  in  which  he  says  :  "  It  is  my  privi- 
lege now  to  say,  to  all  my  brethren  and  sisters  in  Christ, 
everywhere,  and  to  all  denominations,  that  he  (Mr.  Iuskip) 
i.s  thoroughly  convalescent.  He  may  wholly  recover,  if  he 
will  consent  to  due  moderation.  His  future  must  depend 
almost  entirely  upon  himself.  Probably  he  may  safely 
preach  once  on  Sabbath  day,  give  reasonable  heed  to  busi- 
ness and  editorial  matter  systematically,  and  by  working 
in  his  favorite  way,  be  extensively  useful." 

Notwithstanding  these  favorable  symptoms,  it  was  not  so 
clear  to  all  that  it  was  at  all  safe  for  him  to  undertake  any 
considerable  amount  of  labor.  Influenced  by  this  feeling, 
the  writer  addressed  to  him  an  earnest  letter,  urging  him, 
by  all  means,  to  spare  himself.  His  services  were  more 
needed  in  the  field  than  in  the  columns  of  the  Standard. 
The  response  made  to  our  fraternal  letter  is  so  full  of  touch- 
ing, tender  references  to  our  relations,  that  we  cannot  re- 
frain from  inserting  it  here :  — 

"  PrriLAOELPniA,  March  31,  1883. 
"  Dear  Mac, —  You  make  me  cry.    I  cannot  help  it.   You  know 
me  better  than  any  living  man.    My  faults,  and  excellences,  if  I  have 
any,  you  are  familiar  with.    You,  in  fact,  have,  as  it  were,  been  Lu 


353 


LIFE  OF  JOIW  S.  LNSKIP. 


the  inside  of  my  being.  I  know  you  have  loved  me  — you  do  so  still. 
Tour  kind  advice  I  will  heed.  I  will  go,  I  think,  to  all  ihc  mee  ings. 
[Meaning  National  Camp-meeting?.  1  I  need  not  do  as  heretofore.  I 
can  look  on  a  little.  I  want  to  be  with  you,  and  I  want  you  to  be 
with  me.  The  Lord  grant  me  strength.  You  justly  appreciate  my 
situation.  I  cannot  endure  anxiety,  care,  or  push,  as  I  could  in 
days  of  yore.  But  I  can  love  more  than  ever,  and  do  at  this  moment 
love  you  with  a  fondness  and  tenderness,  no  language  at  mycomm;inl 
can  expres?.  Now,  my  precious,  loving  bio:her  aud  fellow-laborer, 
for  tbe  balance  of  the  journey,  we  must,  come  still  nearer  to  each 
other.  I  cannot  tell  you  how  much  I  want  you  to  think  lovingly  of 
me,  and  pray  for  me.  It  cheers  me  to  know  that  you  do  this.  I  fortu 
no  new  friendships  or  alliances.  I  have  come  to  the  shady  side  of 
the  mountain.  But  there  is  much  of  sunlight,  joy.  and  gladness,  and 
more  of  sweet,  hallowed  tenderness,  than  ever  before.  I  cannot  ex- 
press the  strength  of  my  desire  to  be  lit  for  another  summer  campaign 
with  you.  I  devoutly  pray  to  God  that  we  may  both  live  long,  and 
at  last  have  a  'golden  sunset.'  We  may,  with  proper  care,  have  yet 
some  years  of  active  toil.  If  we  do,  we  shall  see  wonders  of  grace 
and  victory. 

"Yours  as  ever  and  forever, 

"J.  S.  Ixskip." 

In  the  month  of  May,  he  makes  reference  to  his  health, 
but  does  not  regard  it  as  sufficiently  improved  to  allow  him 
to  make  a  journey  to  Marskalton,  the  town  where  he  was 
"first  forgiven."  But  on  tbe  tenth  of  June,  he,  with  Mrs. 
lnskip,  by  invitation  of  Rev.  W.  Rink,  made  a  visit  to  "  the 
grove,"  to  spend  tbe  Sabbath.  This  was  the  place,  as  the 
read(  r  will  remember,  where  he  was  a  member  of  the  church, 
at  the  time  his  father  expelled  him  from  his  home.  He 
found  everything  changed:  "the  grove"  was  not  there;  the 
friends  of  his  youth  had  all  passed  away,  and  he  could  not 
realize  that  it  was  "the  grove."  He  "only  remembered  1  the 
grove '  as  the  head-quarters  of  a  strong  detatchment  of  the 
'thundering  legion.' "  He  preached  in  the  morning  "  with 
much  comfort  aud  religious  profit." 

On  their  return  to  their  home,  they  took  occasion  to  pass 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


359 


by  the  old  blacksmith-shop.  At  every  step  of  the  road,  his 
teelings  became  more  and  more  intense.  It  was  the  same 
road  along  which  he  walked  when  driven  from  the  home  of 
his  misguided  father.  The  day,  the  bright  sunshine,  the 
joyous  song,  the  wondrous  bliss  of  being  persecuted  for 
Christ's  sake,  were  all  fresh  in  his  memory.  He  paused  at 
the  saddler's  shop,  where  his  two  neighbors  were  so  signally 
converted,  and  found  the  little  stone  structure  still  standing. 
Thence  he  proceeded  to  the  blacksniith-shop,  where  he  really 
commenced  his  public  labors,  and  where  he  saw  sixty  souls 
converted.  From  the  smith-shop  he  visited  the  house  from 
wiiich  he  had  been  driven.  The  occupant,  though  not  a 
religious  man,  made  him  welcome.  He  went  into  every 
room,  and  stood  on  the  very  spot  where  his  infuriated  father 
stood,  when,  in  great  wrath,  he  exclaimed:  "Begone,  you 
ungrateful  wretch,  and  let  me  never  see  your  face  again ! '' 
Mi  s.  Inskip  proposed  that  they  have  prayers,  to  which  the 
gentleman  of  the  house  cheerfully  consented.  "And  oh," 
says  Mr.  Inskip,  "  what  a  season  of  melting  mercy  and  ten- 
der emotion  we  had!  The  man  and  some  of  the  family  were 
wondrously  stirred."  This  was  no  uncommon  day  for  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Inskip.  It  was  living  over  again  one  of  the  most 
interesting  and  inspiring  seasons  of  their  pilgrimage.  They 
returned  to  their  home  in  due  time. 

As  the  season  for  camp-meetings  approached,  contrary  to 
the  expectations  of  many.  Mr.  Inskip  had  so  far  recovered 
as  to  be  able  to  attend,  and  take  charge  of,  the  meetings  at 
Pitman  Grove,  1ST.  J.,  and  Old  Orchard,  Me.  He  could  not 
deny  himself  the  joyful  privilpge  of  attending  the  Chester 
H<  ights  Camp-meeting,  nor  refuse  an  invitation  to  preach 
on  Sabbath  morning,  "though  many,"  he  says,  "deemed  it 
hazardous  lor  us  to  make  the  attempt."  The  Pitman  Grove 
National  Camp-meeting  commenced  Aug.  7.  Mr.  Inskip 
preached  the  opening  sermon.    In  a  personal  reference  to 


360 


LIFE  OF  JOI1N  S.  INSKIP. 


himself,  he  said :  "I  thank  God  Ho  has  raised  me  up  from  a 
severe  mental  prostration ;  and  though  friends  feared  that 
I  should  be  laid  aside  from  work  for  some  months,  if  not 
years  to  come,  I  am  full  of  strength,  and  feel  that  I  am  as 
well  qualified,  physically,  as  ever,  for  an  occasion  like  this. 
Spiritually,  my  sky  is  clear,  and  my  soul  is  full  of  sunshine.'1 
He  preached  with  his  usual  liberty,  and  yet  it  could  be  easily 
discerned  that  he  was  failing.  He  seemed  to  exert  himself 
far  beyond  his  real  strength,  and  yet  he  labored  at  times  to 
repress  the  overflow  of  emotion,  which  found  expression  in 
great  physical  and  mental  demonstration.  He  performed 
the  labors  of  conducting  the  meeting  much  more  easily  and 
successfully  than  many  had  supposed  he  could.  He,  himself, 
says :  "  At  the  close,  I  was  in  a  much  better  condition  than 
at  the  beginning." 

From  Pitman  Grove  he  went  to  Ocean  Grove,  where  he 
preached  Wednesday,  Aug.  14,  on  the  subject  of  holiness. 
A  reporter  of  the  sermon  says:  "We  have  heard  Bro.  Inskip 
od  a  great  many  occasions,  and  never  did  we  hear  him  when 
he  was  more  lucid  and  clear  iu  exposition  of  this  blessed 
doctrine.  It  seemed  that  the  Holy  Spirit  took  entire  pos- 
session of  him,  as  he  stood  forth  with  that  large  audience 
before  him." 

August  28,  the  National  Camp-meeting  at  Old  Orchard 
commenced.  Mr.  Inskip  was  there.  It  was  his  last  National 
Camp-meeting.  He  seemed  to  be  in  good  spirits,  and  con- 
ducted the  services  with  his  usual  ease  and  effectiveness, 
except  that  towards  the  close,  he  appeared  more  weary  than 
usual.  He  felt,  as  he  believed,  much  better  at  the  close 
than  he  did  at  the  beginning.  "  We  have  gone  through  the 
campaign,"  he  says,  "  with  much  greater  ease  than  usual  " 

On  his  return  from  Old  Orchard,  at  request  of  Hon.  Jacob 
Sleeper,  Mr.  Inskip  and  wife,  with  their  Philadelphia  com- 
pany, including  Rev.  W.  L.  Gray,  Rev.  E.  L  D.  Pepper  Dr. 


TEE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TIllUMPn. 


361 


Levy,  and  others,  enjoyed  a  delightful  meeting  at  Bromfield 
Street  Church,  Boston.  The  house  was  rilled  with  earnest 
Christians,  and  the  season  was  most  enjoyable,  closing  with 
a  most  profitable  altar  service. 

On  his  return  to  Philadelphia,  he  commenced  preparations 
for  holding  a  great  "  Holiness  Convention  "  in  that  city,  in 
connection  with  the  General  Conference,  which  was  to  con- 
vene there  in  May,  1884.  This  plan  had  received  the  sanc- 
tion of  the  members  of  the  National  Association,  at  their 
annual  meeting.  The  Central  M.  E.  Church  had  been  en- 
gaged for  the  purpose.  But  ere  the  time  came  for  holding 
the  meeting,  Mr.  Inskip  had  joined  the  general  assembly 
and  Church  of  the  first-born,  and  removed  to  the  city  of  the 
Great  King. 

There  was  no  spot  to  which  Mr.  Inskip  made  more  fre- 
quent public  mention,  and  none  to  him  "more  dear"  than 
the  old  "  Meeting  House  "  at  Marshallton,  Pa.,  where  he 
"was  first  forgiven."  After  becoming  settled  in  his  Chester 
County  home,  he  availed  himself  of  the  first  favorable  op- 
portunity to  visit  this,  to  him,  sacred  spot.  The  visit  was 
full  of  interest,  both  to  him  and  the  people.  We  will  allow 
him  to  describe  it  in  his  own  language. 

"A  Precious  Season. 
"  We  have  often  heard  people  sing :  — 

"  '  There  is  a  spot  to  me  more  dear 

Than  native  vale  or  mountain; 
A  spot  for  which  affection's  tear 

Springs  grateful  from  its  fountain. 
'Tis  not  where  kindred  souls  abound, 

Tho'  that  on  earth  is  Heaven ; 
But  where  I  first  my  Saviour  found, 

And  felt  my  sins  forgiven.' 


362 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S  INSKIP. 


"Our  sympathy  with  the  sentiment  here  expressed  was 
always  ardent,  but  we  knew  nothing  of  its  real  strength 
until  last  Sabbath.  This  day  we  shall  remember  forever  as 
one  of  the  most  wonderfully  precious  seasons  we  have  ever 
enjoyed.  When  the  early  morn  dawned  we  were  rather  sad 
and  disappointed,  on  account  of  the  threatening  aspect  of 
the  weather.  But  soou  the  clouds  dispersed,  and  the  bright 
sun  shone  forth  with  amazing  splendor.  As  we  passed 
along  the  way,  riding  in  rural  country  style,  with  our  be- 
loved companion  by  our  side,  a  thousand  precious  and  pleas- 
ant reminiscences  crowded  into  our  thought.  We  saw  much 
of  beauty  to  admire,  both  in  nature  and  art,  as  we  journeyed 
onward  together.  But  the  great  topic  of  conversation  was 
of  the  past,  and  related  to  personal  experiences  of  the  gra- 
cious providences  of  God,  and  the  wonders  of  grace. 

"Our  object  in  leaving  home  this  beautiful  Sabbath  morn- 
ing was  to  visit  our  spiritual  birthplace,  Marshallton,  Ches- 
ter County,  Pa.,  distant  from  our  present  abode  some  eight 
or  nine  miles.  We  had  long  and  earnestly  "desired  to  do 
this,  but  never  before  could  find  time  or  leisure  to  enjoy  the 
privilege.  An  absence  of  over  half  a  century,  of  course, 
would  be  supposed  to  have  made  many  changes.  Frequently 
the  thought  came  into  mind,  'Will  they  know  me?'  The 
revolution  made  by  time  and  toil  in  the  topography  of  the 
country  we  found  to  be  so  great  that  it  was  difficult  to  rec- 
ognize or  determine  any  particular  locality  with  which,  in 
former  times,  we  had  been  so  familiar.  Now  and  then  a  hill, 
or  creek,  or  building,  looked  somewhat  as  in  'days  of  yore.' 
As  we  approached  the  village,  we  asked  a  young  man  the 
question,  'Is  this  Marshallton?'  He  politely  answered, 
•Yes,  sir,  this  is  Marshallton.'  We  inquired,  'Where  is  the 
Methodist  Church  ? '  He  responded,  'The  first  you  come  to 
on  your  left  hand,  sir.'  A  moment  brought  us  to  the  time- 
honored  sanctuary.    To  make  sure  we  were  not  mistaken, 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH.  363 

we  made  further  inquiry  of  some  gentlemen  standing  in 
front.  As  we  cast  our  eyes  upon  the  little  stone  edifice,  we 
felt  profoundly  grateful  that  it  looked  much  as  it  did  in  the 
days  of  our  youth. 

"  We  have  no  language  at  command  that  would  convey  to 
our  readers  any  adequate  idea  of  our  feelings  as  we  entered 
this  humble  '  meeting-house,'  and  glanced  at  the  place  where 
we  bowed  to  seek  the  Lord,  and  were  led  to  a  knowledge  of 
the  '  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.'  We  knelt  as  near  the  sacred 
spot  as  we  could,  and  offered  praise  and  thanksgiving  for  the 
gracious  Providence  which  had  brought  us  once  more  to  the 
point  at  which  we  commenced  the  'heavenly  pilgrimage.' 
What  a  moment  of  pure,  unalloyed  and  tearful  bliss  it  was ! 
Not  a  single  face  we  saw  was  at  all  familiar.  Our  old 
friends  had  nearly  all  passed  away.  There  were,  however, 
a  few  still  remaining  here  below.  How  many  questions  we 
had  to  ask  them  concerning  the  departed,  we  cannot  tell. 
There  were  many  names  mentioned,  and  the  retrospect  was 
truly  thrilling.  The  Lord  graciously  aided  us  in  preaching 
on  the  declaration  of  St.  Paul  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans, 
first  chapter  and  sixteenth  verse :  '  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ,  for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to 
every  one  that  believeth.'  The  sermon  was  followed  by  a 
highly  spiritual  communion  service.  The  pastor,  Rev.  Mr. 
Dungan,  received  us  with  the  greatest  cordiality,  and  every, 
body  seemed  to  have  a  '  God  bless  you '  for  both  of  us. 

"  From  the  church,  or,  rather, '  meeting-house,'  where  we 
communed  with  the  living,  we  went  into  the  '  grave-yard '  to 
have  sweet  fellowship  with  the  dead.  There  is  much  hal- 
lowed human  dust  sleeping  there,  and  waiting  for  the  '  full 
manifestation  of  the  sons  of  God.'  We  lingered  at  the 
graves  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  Burton  and  John  Mills.  Brother 
Burton  was  the  class-leader,  and  was  at  our  side  when  we 


364 


LIFE  OF  JOUIf  S.  IXSKIP. 


found  salvation.  He  asked  us  the  following  questions : 
'My  lad,  dost  thou  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ?' 
'Dost  thou  believe  that  he  is  able  and  willing  to  save  thee 
now  ?'  'Dost  thou,  my  lad,  believe  that  He  does  save  thee 
now  ? '  To  each  and  all  of  these  inquiries  we  returned  an 
affirmative  answer,  and  salvation  was  the  result  that  fol- 
lowed. We  also  visited  the  graves  of  Dr.  Parish,  long  years 
since  the  earnest  steward  of  the  society,  and  of  Rev.  Alban 
Hook,  a  devoted  local  preacher  whom  we  often  heard  pro- 
claim the  'glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed  God.'  We  paused 
at  the  resting-place  of  the  youth  who  sought  to  hinder  us 
from  making  a  start  on  our  heavenward  journey.  He,  too, 
with  his  kindred,  sleeps  the  sleep  from  which  there  is  no 
waking  until  the  morning  of  the  resurrection.  On  every 
hand  in  the  '  place  of  graves '  we  noticed  the  names  of  old 
and  familiar  friends  who  have  '  gone  on  before.'  Our  inter- 
view with  the  'sainted  dead'  was  so  pleasant  and  profitable 
we  repeated  it,  and  the  second  time  found  it  even  more  sug- 
gestive than  the  first.  Both  the  living  and  the  dead  con- 
tributed to  the  interest  and  joy  of  the  occasion. 

"  During  our  brief  stay  we  were  the  guests  of  Sister  Pen- 
nypecker,  who  was  a  '  next-door  neighbor '  when  we  resided 
in  this  part  of  the  country.  Our  friends  in  different  parts 
of  the  world  have  heard  us  say  again  and  again  that  Chester 
County,  Pennsylvania,  was  the  most  beautiful  and  attractive 
region  we  have  ever  seen.  We  feel  like  repeating  the 
declaration  here  and  now.  This  church,  of  which  we  have 
spoken,  was,  and  is  still,  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
When  our  readers  learn  that  we  have  received  so  much  of 
blessing  and  benefit  from  this  church,  they  will  see  good  and 
sufficient  reasons  why  we  are  so  unwilling  that  she  shall  be 
assailed  by  some  of  those  who  claim  to  be  adherents  to  the 
cause  of  holiness.    We  were  converted,  baptized  and  wholly 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH.  365 


sanctified  in  this  church,  and  propose,  if  the  Lord  and  our 
brethren  permit,  to  remain  a  member  until  we  are  'called 
hence.'  We  should  have  stated,  Auntie  Inskip,  in  the  after- 
noon, visited  the  Sunday-school,  and  spoke  to  the  dear 
young  people  with  unusual  unction  and  effect.  On  the 
whole,  it  was  truly  '  a  time  long  to  be  remembered.'  We 
returned  to  our  quiet  hillside  home,  determined  to  be  more 
in  earnest  than  ever  in  our  endeavors  to  promote  the  glory 
of  God  and  the  salvation  of  men." 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip  had  been  solicited  by  Eev.  J.  S.  Lame, 
of  Waynesburg,  Pa.,  where  some  fifty  years  before,  Mr. 
Inskip  had  commenced  his  ministerial  life,  to  spend  a  Sab- 
bath with  that  church.  His  going  seemed  providentially 
delayed  until  Oct.  21,  1883.  It  proved  to  be  his  last  appear- 
ance in  the  pulpit. 

Mr.  Lame  gives  the  following  account  of  the  visit.  Speak- 
ing of  the  Saturday  evening  before  the  Sabbath,  he  says: 
"  He  was  as  elastic  and  playful  in  spirit  as  a  boy.  My  son, 
having  attained  his  twenty-first  year,  received  a  birthday 
present.  Bro.  Inskip  made  the  presentation  speech  —  a 
speech  flashing  wit  h  humor  and  flowing  with  pathos.  Always 
gifted  in  prayer,  but  on  Saturday  night,  round  the  family 
altar,  the  fire  and  fervor  of  the  Lord  God  of  Elijah  fell 
upon  him.  Every  one  bending  about  that  altar  was  men- 
tioned with  a  particularity  and  tenderness  most  touching, 
and  when  he  came  to  petition  for  God's  benediction  on  the 
coming  Sabbath,  certainly  the  glory  of  his  coming  transla- 
tion must  have  mantled  him.  My  soul  was  melted  with  the 
pathos,  and  my  mind  almost  bewildered  with  the  grandeur, 
of  his  though'  and  language. 


S66 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


"  Sabbath,  the  twenty-first,  all  the  Presbyterian  churches 
in  the  city  were  closed,  the  pastors  being  away  attending 
Synod.  The  morning  was  dark  and  lowering,  but  no  rain  fell 
during  the  entire  day.  A  consecration  meeting  at  9  A.  M., 
assisted  in  preparing  the  people  for  the  grand  results  of  the 
day.  The  church  was  crowded  from  gallery  to  pulpit  —  altar, 
aisles,  and  vestibule.  Promptly  at  10.30,  Mr.  Inskip  arose 
and  read  the  775th  hymn  :  '  Awake,  Jerusalem,  Awake ! '  He 
took  for  his  text,  Psa.  xciii.  53:  'Holiness  becometh  thy 
house,  0  Lord,  forever.'  Holiness,  his  favorite  theme,  was  the 
subject  of  the  sermon.  His  plan  of  presentation  was  most 
happily  adapted  to  his  promiscuous  audience.  As  he  swept 
on  in  his  sermon,  smiles  frequently  rippled  over  the  congre- 
gation, tears  filled  many  eyes,  hearty  responses  attested  that 
the  mighty  archer  was  not  drawing  his  bow  at  a  venture. 
The  great  preacher  was  at  his  best.  He  held  the  people  in 
his  grasp,  and  at  the  close  of  the  sermon,  not  less  than  a 
hundred  rose  as  seekers  of  holiness. 

"  At  7  p.  m.,  the  house  was  packed.  Mr.  Inskip,  on  his 
throne  of  power,  gave  out  the  518th  hymn.  The  second 
hymn,  the  last  he  ever  read  in  the  pulpit,  was  the  503il,  the 
last  line  of  which  is,  '  And  I  am  white  as  snow.'  He  an- 
nounced his  text,  2  Thess.  ii.  13  :  '  God  hath  from  the  begin- 
ning chosen  us  to  salvation,  through  sanctification  of  the 
Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth.'  He  preached  one  hour  and  a 
half.  It  was  a  Manheim  Camp-meeting  in  a  church.  Includ- 
ing his  explanations  and  exhortations,  he  spoke  two  solid 
hours.  Half  way  down  the  church,  men  and  women  were 
kneeling,  seeking  pardon,  or  purity,  or  some  special  blessing 
of  God.  In  the  glad  exultation  of  the  hour,  lifting  his  stroug 
voice,  which  appeared  entirely  unimpaired  by  the  strain  put 
upon  it,  he  exclaimed :  '  I  feel  competent  to  tweuty  years  of 
woik  yet.'  At  a  late  hour  the  vast  congregation  retired  to 
their  homes;  and  notwithstanding  his  extraordinary  labors 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  TIIE  TRIUMPH.  367 


through  the  day,  he  was  bright  and  buoyant  on  his  arrival 
at  the  parsonage ;  ate  heartily,  engaged  in  sprightly  conver- 
sation, joined  in  prayer,  retired  iu  good  cheer,  slept  soundly, 
awoke  early,  took  breakfast  before  daylight,  and  left  for 
Philadelphia  by  the  first  train.  It  was  one  of  the  greatest 
days  in  the  whole  history  of  the  Waynesburg  Church." 

With  the  close  of  that  day,  there  dropped  from  the  hand 
of  John  S.  Inskip,  the  trumpet  which  had  sounded  the  gos- 
pel of  full  salvation  more  frequently  and  effectually  for  the 
the  last  twenty  years,  than  by  any  other  man.  His  work 
was  done,  and  he  almost  "  ceased  at  once  to  work  and  live." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip  had  engaged  to  hold  a  series  of  meet- 
ings in  the  Bromfield  St.M.E.  Church,  Boston,  to  commence 
the  first  Sunday  in  November.  The  people  were  in  great 
expectancy.  They  remembered  a  meeting  of  almost  unex- 
ampled power,  held  in  the  same  church,  by  Messrs.  Inskip 
and  M  JDonald,  some  years  before.  But  on  Friday  preced- 
ing the  time  fixed  for  the  beginning  of  the  meeting,  a 
telegram  came  announcing  his  sickness,  and  the  necessary 
postponement  of  the  meeting. 

Mr.  Inskip  was  at  his  office  on  Monday,  in  his  usual 
health,  and  "  greatly  elated,"  says  Eev.  Dr.  Levy,  "  over  his 
services  at  Waynesburg,  the  day  previous."  The  following 
day,  he  was  at  his  office  again,  without  any  apparent  feeble- 
ness. On  Wednesday  he  remained  at  home,  preparing  for 
his  engagement  in  Boston.  In  the  evening,  after  having  a 
pleasant  time  with  his  great-grand-child,  he  retired  to  his 
room,  where  Mrs.  Inskip  was  engaged  in  sewing.  He  seated 
himself  on  the  lounge,  and  she  observed  that  his  head  had 
fallen,  as  was  often  the  case  when  he  had  dropped  into  a 
sleep.  Speaking  to  him,  she  said,  "  My  dear,  how  quickly 
you  fall  asleep  these  days."  Not  receiving  any  reply,  she 
went  to  him,  and  to  her  great  surprise,  found  him  uncon- 
scious.   Medical  assistance  was  immediately  summoned,  and 


368 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


it  was  ascertained  that  he  was  entirely  paralyzed  on  his 
right  side.  lie  remained  in  an  unconscious  state  for  three 
days,  and  then  returned  to  consciousness,  recognizing  his 
friends,  but  being  still  unable  to  speak. 

As  the  news  of  Mr.  Inskip's  illness  spread  throughout  the 
land,  sad  hearts  turned  to  God  for  help.  Prayers,  earnest 
prayers,  were  offered  to  the  Great  Physician  for  healing  for 
the  stricken  one.  After  a  few  days,  he  seemed  to  be  im- 
proving in  health,  and  many  were  hopeful  of  his  complete 
recovery.  Messrs.  Tasker  and  Pepper  published  a  card,  in 
the  Christan  Standard,  announcing  a  "  decided  improvement 
in  the  condition  of  Mr.  Inskip.  He  moves  about  the  house 
and  grounds,  taking  an  interest  in  everything  that  trans- 
pires." The  physician  gave  encouragement  that  he  "  would 
be  able  to  go  to  the  office  in  a  very  few  days."  Mrs.  Inskip 
writes :  "  My  faith  claims  Mr.  Inskip's  complete  restoration. 
He  is  joyous  and  happy,  singing  sweet  songs  of  praise." 
But  it  was  very  clear  to  others,  who  had  marked  the  gradual 
steps  by  which  he  had  reached  this  point,  that  he  could  not 
recover,  —  that  his  end  was  in  the  near  future. 

Nov.  21,  the  annual  meeting  of  the  National  Camp-meet- 
ing Association  was  held  in  Philadelphia.  In  connection 
with  Rev.  J.  E.  Searles,  the  writer  visited  Mr.  Inskip 
at  his  home  in  West  Town,  Pa.,  the  day  before  the 
association  convened.  As  we  approached  the  house,  we  ob- 
served him  looking  from  his  chamber  window,  and  pointing 
to  us,  with  manifest  joy  at  our  coming.  As  we  entered 
we  found  him  calm,  and  delighted  to  see  us.  He  was  able 
to  be  about  the  house,  and  even  to  go  down  stairs  with  us  to 
tea.  Put  though  he  looked  quite  well,  there  was  little  or 
no  improvement  in  his  speech.  He  could  do  little  more 
than  utter  "yes,"  and  "no."  He  could  join  in  a  familiar 
hymn,  and  articulated  the  words  with  tolerable  distinctness, 
but  was  utterly  unable  to  hold  conversation.    We  spent  the 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


3G9 


night  with  hira,  and  had  a  most  delightful  season  of  prayer, 
in  which  he  heartily  joined.  He  was  without  pain,  happy 
and  peaceful. 

The  following  day,  just  as  we  were  closing  the  business 
of  the  Association,  to  the  great  surprise  of  all,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Inskip  entered  the  office.  He  seemed  deeply  interested  in 
all  that  was  being  done,  but  it  was  painful  to  us  all  to  wit- 
ness his  fruitless  attempts  to  make  us  understand  his 
wishes. 

The  Association  passed  resolutions  expressive  of  their 
profound  sympathy  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip,  for  him  in  his 
great  bodily  affliction,  and  for  her  in  her  greatest  trial.  But 
we  were  all  well  assured  that  he  would  never  again  lead  us 
in  the  fight,  or  shout  us  on  to  victory,  —  he  had  fought  his 
last  battle. 

On  the  tenth  of  December,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Inskip  left  West 
Town  for  Ocean  Grove,  where,  it  was  thought,  the  surround- 
ings might  be  more  favorable  to  his  recovery.  He  had 
often  expressed  a  strong  desire  to  die  at  a  camp-meeting. 
The  nearest  to  this  would  be  to  die  on  a  camp-ground ;  and 
this  favor  was  granted  him. 

The  Thorne  House,  his  former  residence  —  built  by  him- 
self —  was  a  very  attractive  spot  for  him.  In  this  house  he 
spent  the  last  eleven  weeks  of  his  mortal  life.  The  Ocean 
Grove  Association  showed  him  and  his  family  every  kind- 
ness ;  indeed,  all  his  friends  —  and  he  had  many  —  were 
ready  to  render  him  every  possible  assistance.  They  visited 
him  almost  daily,  and  made  his  condition  as  comfortable  as 
possible.  He  was  happy  and  peaceful,  almost  constantly 
singing  some  favorite  hymn.  The  songs  which  were  most 
upon  his  lips,  were,  "  I  am  trusting,  Lord,  in  Thee ;  "  "  Oh,  I 
leave  it  all  with  Jesus,  day  by  day ;  "  "Is  not  this  the  land 
of  Beulah  ?  "  "  I'm  the  child  of  a  King ; "  "  Angels  now 
are  hovering  round  us ; "  "  The  home  of  the  soul ; "  "  In 


370 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


the  sweet  by  and  by;"  and  others,  of  similar  charac- 
ter. 

On  the  thirtieth  of  December,  with  his  wife,  Mr.  Inskip 
attended  church  at  the  Grove,  and  listened  to  a  sermon  by 
Eev.  Dr.  Wythe.  He  sat  in  the  altar,  and  at  the  close  of 
the  sermon,  sang  one  verse  of 

"  My  life  flows  on  with  ceaseless  song," 

and  appeared  remarkably  happy.  Jan.  13,  he  went  again, 
and  remained  at  the  sacramental  service,  which  he  greatly 
enjoyed. 

After  returning  to  his  home,  Mrs.  Inskip  said  to  him : 
"  This  has  been  a  real  feast  to-day,  and  I  hope  it  may  be 
the  Lord's  will  that  you  may  again  be  in  the  work  you  have 
so  dearly  loved.  Do  you  not  feel  it  to  be  a  great  trial  to  be 
deprived  of  your  speech  ?  "  With  perfect  resignation,  he 
answered,  so  as  to  be  understood  by  her,  "  Oh,  no :  it  is 
God's  will."  This  proved  to  be  his  last  Sabbath  in  the 
house  of  God. 

In  reply  to  Mrs.  Inskip's  inquiry,  "  Do  you  not  think  if 
you  had  not  worked  so  hard,  that  it  would  have  been  better, 
and  you  would  have  lived  longer  and  saved  yourself  this 
great  suffering  ?  "  his  answer  was  prompt  and  characteristic, 
"I  am  so  glad  I  have  worked  hard  all  my  life." 

As  he  approached  the  end,  his  sufferings,  at  times,  became 
very  great.  But  in  the  midst  of  his  deepest  sufferings  he 
seemed  filled  with  joy.  On  one  of  these  occasions,  Mrs. 
Inskip  said  :  "  My  dear,  religion  was  good  when  you  were 
turned  from  your  father's  home ;  it  was  good  in  the  midst 
of  labor,  trials  and  misrepresentations  ;  it  has  been  good  in 
the  midst  of  great  battles,  and  when  the  glorious  victory 
came :  does  it  now  hold  in  the  midst  of  this  great  suffer- 
ing ?  "  He  pressed  her  hand,  and  with  uplifted  eyes,  and  a 
hallowed  smile,  responded,  "  Yes,  oh  yes."    In  a  slow  and 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


371 


deliberate  manner,  so  as  to  be  understood  by  Mrs  Inskip,  he 
said,  "I  am  unspeakably  happy."  This  was  followed  by, 
"Glory!  glory!" 

Rev.  Mr.  Ballard  says :  "  For  the  last  few  weeks  of  his 
life,  he  blended  agony  and  triumph,  as  in  the  course  of  my 
ministry  I  have  never  seen  them  blended.  The  pains  which 
came  upon  him  were  almost  beyond  endurance.  I  have 
seen  him  lie  there,  propped  up  by  his  pillow  and  supported 
by  the  arms  of  his  wife,  —  who  never,  for  a  day,  in  all  the 
weary  months  of  his  illness,  quitted  his  side,  —  his  whole 
form  quivering  with  anguish,  and  his  voice  moaning  with 
the  pain  that  distorted  his  features,  and  still  insisting  that 
prayer  should  be  made,  during  which,  smiles  which  seemed 
reflecting  from  the  glory  beyond,  would  irradiate  his  face, 
and  the  anguish  and  the  pain  be  all  obliterated.  I  have 
never  seen  any  other  soul  whose  triumphs  equalled  his  in 
like  circumstances." 

A  brother  called  and  spent  the  evening.  During  the  con- 
versation, Mr.  Inskip  said :  "  Do  you  have  family  prayers  ?  " 
The  brother  confessed  that  he  did  not.  But  such  was  the 
impression  made  upon  his  mind,  that  he  went  home  and 
said  to  his  wife :  "  God  has  spoken  to  me  through  Bro.  In- 
skip ; "  and  he  gathered  his  family  together,  and  erected  the 
family  altar,  saying,  "  It  shall  never  be  thrown  down." 

February  7,  Mr.  Inskip  was  very  ill.  As  he  took  leave  of 
his  grandson  and  his  wife,  he  placed  his  hands  upon  their 
heads,  and  said,  in  broken  words :  "  Be  good ;  meet  me  in 
Heaven."  Then,  kissing  the  baby,  he  bade  each  person  in 
the  room,  "Good-by."  Then,  turning  to  his  wife,  he  said: 
"All  is  well.  Glory!  Hallelujah!"  Rev.  Mr.  Ballard, 
who  was  often  with  him,  says:  "He  could  always  say, 
'Amen' ;  could  join  in  hymns  he  had  known,  and  sing  the 
words ;  but  while  his  mind  formed  ideas  without  difficulty, 
the  vocal  organs  refused  their  office  in  expressing  them ;  yet, 


372 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


in  the  subtle  telegraphy  of  love,  his  wife  was  able  to  under- 
stand and  interpret  him  to  his  friends,  in  ways  which  he 
accepted  as  exactly  correspondent  with  his  meaning." 

Sunday,  Feb.  17,  Rev.  George  Hughes  called  to  see  him. 
Mr.  Inskip  united  in  singing,  — 

"  Thou,  O  Christ,  art  all  I  want," 

and  while  prayer  was  offered,  his  soul  seemed  in  a  state  of 
ecstasy. 

On  the  twenty-second,  Rev.  Messrs.  Pepper,  Osborn,  and 
Wallace,  made  a  visit  to  the  sick-room.  While  Mr.  Pepper 
prayed,  Mr.  Inskip  responded,  "  Amen !  Amen !  Amen ! " 
Then  they  sang,  — 

"  I  am  dwelling  on  the  mountain, 
Where  the  golden  sun-light  gleams,"  etc. 

Chorus.  —  "  Is  not  this  the  land  of  Beulah  ?" 

During  the  singing,  he  took  a  palm-leaf  fan  which  was  lying 
on  the  bed,  and  waved  it  again  and  again.  Mr.  Osborn 
said :  "  You  are  waving  your  '  palm '  before  you  go  to  the 
glory-land."  With  a  face  radiant  with  smiles,  he  responded, 
"  Yes,  yes  !  " 

March  3  was  a  day  of  great  physical  suffering.  As  his 
wife  knelt  and  prayed  that  God  would  grant  her  husband 
some  relief  from  his  suffering,  he  commenced  singing, — ' 

"  I  leave  it  all  with  Jesus,  day  by  day, 
My  faith  can  firmly  trust  Him,  come  what  may." 

March  6,  his  sufferings  were  very  great.  Mrs.  Inskip 
says:  "Oh,  what  a  sufferer!  and  yet,  how  patient!  This 
morning,  from  three  to  five,  the  room  was  filled  with  the 
presence  of  the  Holy  One.    Every  one  present  felt  the  influ- 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


373 


ence  of  the  Spirit.  My  husband's  face  appeared  as  bright 
as  the  sunlight.    We  united  with  him  in  singing,  — 

"Death  shall  not  destroy  my  comfort. 

Christ  shall  guide  me  through  the  gloom  ; 
Down  He'll  send  some  heavenly  convoy, 

To  escort  my  spirit  home. 
Don't  you  see  my  Jesus  coming  ? 

Don't  you  see  him  in  yon  cloud  ? 
With  ten  thousand  angels  round  him, 

See  how  they  my  Saviour  crowd." 

He  then  sang,  "  I'm  the  child  of  a  King,"  and  three  verses 
of  "Deliverance  will  come." 

On  the  day  of  his  departure,  Eev.  J.  E.  Searles  and  Mr.  G. 
C.  Reis,  who  were  attending  a  meeting  of  the  directors  of 
the  National  Publishing  Association,  went  to  Ocean  Grove 
to  visit  Mr.  Inskip.  "When  I  was  announced,"  says  Mr. 
Searles,  "  he  roused  up  a  little,  and  looked  towards  me ;  and 
his  ever-faithful  wife  said  to  him :  '  My  dear,  Bro.  Searles 
has  come ;  do  you  know  him  ?  If  you  know  him,  press  his 
hand'  (which  he  was  holding);  and  then  I  felt  a  gentle 
pressure,  and  there  was  a  slight  movement  of  the  lips.  But 
it  was  only  for  a  moment ;  consciousness  reeled  and  vanished, 
to  return  no  more  in  this  life.  It  seemed  difficult  to  realize 
that  we  were  looking  upon  the  leader  of  the  great  holiness 
movement  in  the  present  history  of  the  Church,  who  so  re- 
cently appeared  so  strong,  and  full  of  almost  youthful  vigor, 
—  whose  constitution  and  make-up  seemed  to  defy  the  effects, 
either  of  toil  or  increasing  years.  He  often  said  to  the 
writer :  1 1  want  to  die  in  the  work.'  His  record  is  one  of 
incessant  activity  and  glorious  success.  After  s<inging,  '  My 
latest  sun  is  sinking  fast,'  we  joined  in  prayer,  and  felt  that 
Heaven  was  bending  low,  and  the  angels,  and  especially  the 
presence  of  Jesus,  was  there.  We  turned  away  from  the 
dying  hero  of  a  thousand  glorious  victories  for  Christ,  with 


374 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


inexpressible  sadness,  and  yet  with  a  secret  joy  that  we 
should  soon  join  him,  with  a  host  of  the  brothers  of  the 
Association,  and  other  friends  of  holiness,  in  the  blessed  life 
above,  —  a  life  'unmeasured  by  the  flight  of  years,'  where 
all  is  Heaven  forever. 

"At  six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  after  returning  home,  I 
received  a  telegram,  announcing  that  all  was  over,  —  that  he 
had  entered  into  his  rest." 

The  last  song  sung,  on  the  day  of  his  departure,  was, 
"  The  sweet  by-and-by."  While  singing  that  beautiful  and 
appropriate  hymn,  the  dying  man  pressed  his  loving  wife  to 
his  breast,  and  then,  taking  her  hands  in  his,  raised  them 
up  together,  and  with  a  countenance  beaming  with  celestial 
delight,  shouted,  "  Victory  !  Triumph  !  Triumph !  "  These 
were  his  last  words  on  earth. 

He  ceased  to  breathe  at  4  p.  m.,  March  7.  But  so  peace- 
fully and  imperceptibly  did  he  pass  away,  that  those  who 
watched  by  him  could  scarcely  perceive  the  moment  when 
he  ceased  to  live.  On  that  day  the  Christian  warrior,  the 
powerful  preacher,  the  tender  husband,  the  world-renowned 
evangelist,  was  gathered  to  his  fathers,  and  rested  from  his 
toil. 

"  The  battle's  fought,  the  victory's  won, 
And  thou  art  crowned  at  last." 

The  intelligence  of  his  death  spread  throughout  all  the 
land  with  great  rapidity,  and  though  not  unexpected,  it  pro- 
duced a  profound  impression  upon  all.  Letters  of  Christian 
sympathy  for  the  afflicted  widow  came  pouring  in  from  all 
parts  of  the  country.  The  general  feeling  was,  that  a  great 
and  useful  man  had  fallen,  —  one  whose  place  in  the  holiness 
movement  of  the  country  could  not  easily  be  filled. 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


375 


Funeral  Services  at  Ocean  Grove. 

Thorne  Cottage  was  densely  crowded  on  Monday  evening, 
March  10,  as  the  mortal  remains  of  Mr.  Inskip  were  to  be 
borne  away  the  next  morning  to  the  home  of  the  dead.  Rev. 
J.  Bradds,  of  the  Baltimore  Conference,  offered  prayer; 
Rev.  W.  H.  Meeker,  of  Troy  Conference,  read  selections 
from  the  Scriptures,  and  Rev.  E.  I.  D.  Pepper  announced  a 
hymn.  Rev.  W.  B.  Osborn  paid  a  loving  tribute  to  the 
memory  of  his  old  friend.  His  reminiscences  were  pathetic 
and  thrilling.  "  Side  by  side  they  had  labored  together  at 
great  camp-meetings.  They  had  met  in  India,  evangelized 
in  Australia,  and  loved  as  David  and  J onathan.  It  was  his 
sad  office,  and  yet  a  privilege,  to  be  much  with  Mr.  Inskip 
during  his  illness,  and  down  to  the  last  moment  of  life.  He 
held  his  hand  while  dying,  and  repeated  Wesley's  hymn,  as 
the  spirit  took  his  flight,  — 

'  Servant  of  God,  well  done.'  " 

Rev.  S.  Jaquett,  who  visited  him  almost  daily,  said:  "It 
seemed  so  near  Heaven,  to  be  in  the  room,  where,  though 
faint  and  weary,  Brother  Inskip  was  always  on  the  moun- 
tain-top of  ecstatic  vision."  Rev.  H.  B.  Beegle  referred  to 
the  fact  that  Mr.  Inskip  was  one  of  the  originators  of  Ocean 
Grove,  and  one  of  the  first  members  of  the  Association. 
Rev.  Mr.  Ballard  made  some  appropriate  remarks,  and  the 
benediction  was  pronounced  by  Rev.  F.  M.  Collins,  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

The  mournful  cortege  left  Ocean  Grove  in  the  9  o'clock 
train,  Tuesday  morning,  and  arrived  in  New  York  near  noon, 
where  it  was  met  by  friends  with  carriages,  and  the  company 
proceeded  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  East  Wash- 
ington Square,  formerly  Green  Street,  of  which  Mr.  Inskip 
had  once  been  pastor.    The  gathering  was  such  as  befitted  a 


376 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSKIP. 


distinguished  minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  The  house 
was  filled  with  a  company  of  men  and  women,  many  of 
whom  were  ministers  of  note,  and  life-long  associates  and 
friends  of  the  deceased. 

Rev.  Dr.  Buckley,  editor  of  the  Christian  Advocate,  read 
the  991st  hymn,  — 

"Servant  of  God,  well  done"  ;  etc 

An  appropriate  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  J.  A.  Wood. 
Dr.  A.  Lowrey  read  the  twenty -third  Psalm,  and  also  1  Pet. 
i.  2,  3  ;  Eev.  G.  Hughes  read  the  970th  hymn,  — 

"  Why  do  we  mourn  for  dying  friends  ?  "  etc. 

Rev.  W.  McDonald,  his  associate  from  the  beginning  of  the 
National  Camp-meetings,  made  an  address,  analyzing  his 
character,  and  describing  his  labors  and  usefulness.  Rev. 
E.  I.  D.  Pepper  followed,  reading  a  well-prepared  address, 
which  was  a  worthy  eulogy  on  the  character  and  life  of 
Mr.  Inskip. 

Rev.  Dr.  D.  Curry,  his  conference  associate  and  life-long 
friend,  spoke  briefly.  Speaking  of  Mr.  Inskip's  experience, 
he  said :  "  It  was  the  most  rational  of  any  he  had  ever 
heard."  Rev.  Mr.  Ballard  spoke  last.  He  gave  some  touch- 
ing incidents  connected  with  Mr.  Inskip's  labors  and  last 
hours,  most  of  which  have  been  recorded. 

Rev.  S.  W.  Thomas,  of  Philadelphia,  read  some  resolutions 
passed  by  the  Preachers'  Meeting  of  Philadelphia,  after 
which  Rev.  J.  E.  Searles  offered  the  closing  prayer.  By 
request,  the  choir  and  congregation  united  in  singing,  "  The 
sweet  by  and  by."  As  the  chorus  to  the  last  verse  was  re- 
peated, Mrs.  Inskip  joined  heartily  in  singing, — 

"  In  the  sweet  by  and  by, 
We  shall  meet  on  that  beautiful  shore." 


THE  END  COMETH,  AND  THE  TRIUMPH. 


377 


The  large  congregation  then  took  a  last  look  at  the  mortal 
remains  of  Rev.  John  S.  Inskip,  after  which  he  was  borne 
to  his  earthly  resting-place  in  Greenwood,  where  he  was  laid 
beside  his  father,  mother,  and  son,  who  had  preceded  him 
to  the  better  land. 

Rev.  I.  Simmons  read  the  burial  service  at  the  grave; 
Mr.  Osborn  proposed  that  we  sing  the  "  battle-hymn,"  with 
which  nearly,  if  not  every  National  Camp-meeting,  had 
commenced,  — 

"There  is  a  fountain  filled  with  blood." 

It  was  sung  with  subdued  emotion,  and  the  mourning  com- 
pany turned  away  from  the  place  of  the  dead.  It  did  seem, 
as  they  left  the  brave  warrior  wrapped  in  the  habiliments  of 
the  grave,  that  he  must  be  heard  again,  calling  to  the  retir- 
ing company,  as  in  the  days  of  his  glory,  "Come  on !  Come 
on ! "  But  faith  could  hear  his  voice  as  it  came  gently  sweep- 
ing down  from  the  heaven  of  the  holy,  — 

"  I  shine  in  the  light  of  God  ; 

His  likeness  stamps  my  brow  ; 
This  the  valley  of  death  my  feet  have  trod, 

And  I  reign  in  glory  now. 

I  have  reached  the  joys  of  Heaven  ; 

I  am  one  of  the  sainted  band  ; 
To  my  head  a  crown  of  life  is  given, 

And  a  harp  is  in  my  hand. 

I  have  learned  the  song  they  sing, 

Whom  Jesus  has  set  free, 
And  the  glorious  walls  of  Heaven  shall  ring 

With  my  new-born  melody. 

Hail  !  friends  of  my  mortal  years, 

The  trusted  and  the  true  1 
You  are  toiling  still  in  the  vale  of  tears, 

But  I  wait  to  welcome  you." 


378 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  S.  INSEIP. 


Every  heart  in  that  sorrowing,  yet  rejoicing  company, 
could  say,  as  it  turned  away  from  the  final  resting-place  of 
him  so  greatly  beloved,  — 

"  Farewell,  Inskip !  Farewell,  honored  servant  of  the 
Lord  !   Farewell  friend  and  brother,  — 

'  All  thy  conflicts 
End  in  an  eternal  rest.' 
Farewell." 


THE 

Christian  Witness 

AND 

Advocate  of  Bible  Holiness, 

EDITED  BY 

Revs.  W.  McDonald,  Joshua  Grill,  and  Gfeo.  D.  Watson. 

SI  a  Year,  postage  included.   To  Clergymen,  75  eta. 


In  addition  to  the  editorial  management  of  the  above,  be- 
sides articles  from  some  of  the  best  writers  on  Holiness,  the 
WITNESS  contains  letters  from  Missionaries  in  nearly  every 
part  of  the  world. 

BISHOP  WILLIAM  TAYLOE 

is  one  of  our  regular  contributors,  and  others  of  his  African 
party  will  keep  our  readers  posted  on  the  great  African  Mis- 
sion. Bishop  Taylor's  Transit  Fund  is  regularly  reported  in 
our  columns.    In  fact,  we  intend  that 

THE  WITNESS  SHALL  TAKE  THE  LEAD 

in  the  dissemination  of  information  regarding  the  progress  in 
all  parts  of  the  world,  of  the  great  Self- Supporting  Misnon 
movement,  while  at  the  same  time,  the  main  idea, 

"  To  spread  Scriptural  Holiness  over  these  lands." 

shall  be  prosecuted  vigorously. 


SAMPLE  COPT  FREE! 


Catechism  on  Christian  Perfection. 


By  Rev.  E.  T.  Curnick,  A.M. 
A  much-needed  and  remarkably  valuable  Book. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS, 

Mali's  Fall,  and  its  Results. 

First  Steps  in  the  Process  of  Redemption. 

Definition  of  Terms. 

Distinction  Between  Regeneration  and  Entire  Sanctification. 

The  Nature  and  Limitations  of  Christian  Perfection. 

Evidences  that  Entire  Sanctification  is  Subsequent  to  Conversion. 

The  Conditions  of  Entire  Sanctification. 

The  Time  of  Entire  Sanctification. 

The  Witness  of  Perfect  Love. 

The  Possibility  of  Losing  Christian  Perfection. 

Scriptural  Way  of  Retaining  Holiness. 

The  Confession  of  Holiness. 

Christian  Purity,  Growth,  and  Maturity. 

The  After  Pentecost  Life. 

Bible  Instances  of  Holiness. 

Cautions  and  Duties  of  Holiness  Professors. 

Objections  to  Christian  Perfection. 

Counsels  to  Justified  Christians. 

Holiness  Demanded. 

The  Divine  Factors  in  the  Work  of  Christian  Perfection. 


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Fpoj(3[  William  fabe^. 

SELECTIONS  FROM  HIS  PROSE  AND  POETI- 
CAL WORKS. 

BY  REV.  JAMES  MTJDGE, 
Late  Editor  of  the  Indian  Witness. 


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LIFE  OF  WM,  TAYLOR. 

By  J.  W.  Hamilton,  D.D. 

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Taylor  and  his  work.    This  Book  will  be  ready 
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Mcdonald  &  gill,  publishers, 

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Christian#Perfection, 

taught  by  john  wesley. 

By  Rev.  J.  A.  Wood, 

Author  of  "  Perfect  Love,"  "  Purity  and  Maturity,"  etc 

Introduction  by  Bishop  Mallalien. 

THIS  BOOK  CONTAINS  ALL  THAT  WESLEY  SAID  ON 
THE  SUBJECT. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

How  Mr.  Wesley  was  Led  into  the  Light  of  Full  Salvation. 

The  Nature  of  Christian  Perfection. 

Regeneration  and  Entire  Sanctification  Not  Identical. 

The  Justified  and  Regenerate  State  Does  Not  Admit  of  Committing  Sin. 

There  is  No  Condemnation  to  Justified  Believers. 

Justified  Believers  Convicted  of  Indwelling  Sin. 

The  Length  of  Time  Between  Regeneration  and  Entire  Sanctirication. 

Sanctification  Instantaneous,  by  Faith  and  Not  by  Growth  in  Grace. 

How  Christian  Perfection  is  to  "be  Obtained. 

The  Witness  of  the  Spirit  to  Entire  Sanctirication. 

Mr.  Wesley  Encouraged  the  Profession  of  Christian  Holiness. 

Witnesses  of  Entire  Sanctification. 

The  Necessity  of  Preaching  Holiness. 

Mr.  Wesley  Frequently  Preached  on  Christian  Perfection. 

Mr.  Wesley  was  not  Confined  to  any  one  Mode  of  Expression. 

Mr.  Wesley  Approved  and  Used  the  Phrase  "  Second  Blessing." 

Holiness  Identified  with  the  Promotion  of  the  General  Work  of  God. 

The  Select  Societies  were  for  Those  Entirely  Sanctified. 

Full  Salvation  may  be  Lost. 

Advice  to  Those  Professing  Perfect  Love. 

Mr.  Wesley's  Views  of  Moravianism. 

The  Extent  of  the  Work  of  Sanctification  in  Mr.  Wesley  Day. 
TheOpposition  Mr.  Wesley  Encountered  on  the  Subjec™ 
On  Hearing  Ministers  who  Oppose  the  Truth. 
Mr.  Wesley's  Opposition  to,  and  Treatment  of  Fanaticism. 
Minutes  of  Conference  Conversations  on  the  Subject. 
Miscellaneous  Items. 

How  Far  did  Mr.  Wesley  Change  his  Views  on  Christian  Perfection. 
A  Chronological  Epitome. 

Wesley's  Plain  Account  of  Christian  Perfection. 


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THE 

FUNERAL  SERVICE. 

A  very  useful  Book  fo  •  Clergymen. 

Containing  Scripture  appropriate  for  the  burial  of  children,  youth,  aged 
persons,  Christians,  and  for  general  occasions.  Has  blank  pages  for  records, 
places  for  outlines  of  sermons,  choice  selections  from  the  poets,  etc.  Hand" 
somely  bound  in  black  morocco. 

By  REV.  SAMUEL  L.  GKACET. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

Rev.  S.  L.  Gracey  has  prepared  an  excellent  manual  for  "The 
Funeral  Service,"  which  title  it  bears.  In  many  respects  it  is  superior 
to  any  of  the  numerous  hand-books  of  the  class  which  we  have  ex- 
amined. It  has  a  large  selection  of  appropriate  Scriptures,  with 
numerous  texts  for  funeral  and  memorial  occasions,  with  blank  spaces 
for  the  pastor  to  outline  his  own  exposition  of  them.  There  is  added 
an  admirable  body  of  quotations  from  our  leading  poets  upon  themes 
suggested  by  our  human  relations,  our  mortality,  and  our  springing 
hopes  of  the  eternal  life.  Altogether,  it  is  a  very  neat  and  useful 
compendium.  —  Zion's  Herald. 

This  book  consists  of  selected  Scripture  readings  appropriately  ar- 
ranged for  various  funeral  occasions,  selections  from  poets,  ritual  for 
use  at  the  grave,  record  for  funerals,  etc.  Over  fifty  pages  are  de- 
voted to  appropriate  texts  with  blank  spaces  for  a  sketch  or  skeleton 
of  address  or  sermon.  It  is  in  stout  flexible  cover,  and  a  valuable 
vade  mecum  for  pastors.  It  is  on  nice  tinted  paper  and  is  altogeth- 
er the  most  convenient  and  helpful  book  of  its  kind  that  we  have 
seen.  It  costs  $1.  We  judge  that  a  pastor  who  gets  accustomed  to 
this  sort  of  hand-book  will  think  it  ever  after  indispensable.  —  North- 
ern Christian  Advocate. 

Rev.  S.  L.  Gracey,  of  East  Cambridge,  publishes  a  neatly  arranged 
manual  for  use  at  funeral  services  by  clergymen  and  others,  which 
seems  to  meet  very  satisfactorily  a  demand  long  felt  for  such  a  work. 
A  commendable  feature  is  room  for  written  additions  to  the  carefully 
arranged  matter.  It  is  serviceably  bound  in  neat  morocco.  Price  $1.00. 
—  Vanguard. 


Price  in  Leather,  $1 ;  in  Cloth,  75  cts. 

Mcdonald  &  gill,  publishers, 

36  Bromfield  St.,  Boston. 


DATE  DUE 

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1    LU    w  ^ 

CAY  LORD 

PRINTED  IN  USA. 

